SAVANNAH — United Way of the Coastal Empire recently earned Charity Navigator’s highest-level four-star rating for sound fiscal management for the third consecutive year.

Charity Navigator, a national independent charity evaluator, works to advance a more efficient and responsive philanthropic marketplace by evaluating the financial health of more than 5,500 of America’s largest charities. 

“We are proud to receive such a favorable review of our efficiency and fiscal management practices,” said Gregg Schroeder, president and CEO of United Way of the Coastal Empire. “Our ability to achieve this recognition is the result of the hard work and dedication of our board of directors, volunteers, staff and the generosity of our donors.”

Only 13 percent of the charities evaluated by Charity Navigator have received at least three consecutive four-star evaluations. The designation from Charity Navigator differentiates United Way of the Coastal Empire from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust, United Way officials said.

United Way’s overall four-star rating was based on organizational efficiency and capacity. Charity Navigator determines organizational efficiency by evaluating fundraising efficiency, fundraising expenses, program expenses and administration expenses. United Way received an overall efficiency rating of 38.75 out of a possible 40 for a four-star efficiency rating. 

Charitable Navigator determines organizational capacity by examining primary revenue growth, program expenses growth and working capital ratio. United Way received an overall capacity rating of 22.94 out of 30 for a four-star capacity rating.
United Way of the Coastal Empire serves Bryan, Chatham, Effingham and Liberty counties.