A few KivaFriends have suggested we get listed on Charity Navigator. So I thought I'd share that we just got our first ever Charity Navigator rating!
Best,
John
Kiva.org Receives Top Rating from Charity Navigator for Sound Fiscal Management, Exceeding Industry StandardsIndependent Charity Evaluator Recognizes Kiva.org for Executing its Mission in a Fiscally Responsible WaySAN FRANCISCO, CA - February 9, 2011 - Kiva.org, the world's first personal micro-lending website, today announced it has received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest independent charity evaluator. The coveted four-star rating, the highest on Charity Navigator's ratings scale, indicates that Kiva.org exceeds industry standards for fiscal management.
"We work hard to make Kiva.org run as efficiently as possible so that we can focus our efforts on achieving our mission of connecting people through lending to alleviate poverty," said Premal Shah, President, Kiva.org. "This rating is testament to those efforts."
Charity Navigator's rating system examines two areas of a charity's financial health - how responsibly it functions day to day as well as how well positioned it is to sustain its programs over time. Each charity is then awarded an overall rating, ranging from zero to four stars. The company aims to help donors make informed decisions, while also highlighting effective charities.
"Approximately a quarter of the charities we evaluate have received our highest rating, indicating that Kiva executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America," said Ken Berger, President and CEO, Charity Navigator. "This 'exceptional' designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Kiva from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust."
To learn how you can make a loan to an entrepreneur or student in need, visit
www.kiva.org.
http://www.kiva.org/press/releases/release_20110209 
