Charity Navigator is one of the most trusted platforms for donors looking to give with confidence. It rates over 200,000 nonprofits to help supporters understand which organizations are transparent, well-managed, and making a measurable impact.
For nonprofits, a strong profile signals credibility and accountability.
How Ratings Work
Charity Navigator assigns a score from 0 to 4 stars, with 4 being the highest. Ratings are based on four key categories:
Impact & Measurement – How effectively funds create results
Accountability & Finance – Transparency and fiscal responsibility
Culture & Community – Organizational health and engagement
Leadership & Adaptability – Strategy and responsiveness
Each factor contributes to an overall picture of how well a nonprofit delivers on its mission.
Claiming and Managing Your Profile
Claiming your Charity Navigator profile is quick and free.
Create an account using your organization’s email
Claim your EIN to verify your nonprofit
Upload materials such as your IRS Form 990, leadership details, and impact reports
The more complete your profile, the stronger your score.
Why It Matters
Builds donor confidence and credibility
Increases reach through built-in promotion tools
Identifies operational gaps, such as outdated filings
Provides free marketing resources for 3- and 4-star organizations
Many donors now expect to see verified profiles before giving, making this an essential part of your public presence.
The Bottom Line
Maintaining your Charity Navigator profile is a simple, high-impact way to strengthen trust and visibility.
At Optimize Consulting, we help nonprofits claim, update, and improve their profiles to enhance transparency and donor engagement.
