The Encompass Rating System: At Launch, a Reflection on Why We Rate

Written by Stephen Rockwell, Chief Ratings Technology Officer at Charity Navigator. Stephen is leading the team of charity analysts, program specialists, and development engineers that will launch the new rating methodology and criteria. Read the preceding five installments here. 

Less than a week away from launching our new rating system, our team was as busy as you might think, making a number of last-minute decisions about the score visuals, naming the overall rating system and the underlying indicators, and a myriad of adjustments to the nonprofit profile pages.  Well, today is launch day, and we are immensely proud of our entire team’s achievement.  Welcome to the Encompass Rating System!

2020 and the Year of Virtual Internships: Meet the Charity Navigator Interns

This Thursday, July 30th is National Intern Day. It’s a day to celebrate and recognize our future leaders. This year’s intern class has arguably faced obstacles and challenges no other cohort has endured. 

While internships this year are virtual, the virtual work experience truly mirrors real-life scenarios that no one could have predicted. And just because this year is a virtual experience, that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate our Charity Navigator interns. Our team has worked hard to give our interns projects that help make a difference, while also giving them a taste of the real world. Continue reading to learn more about each intern and how they’re making a difference at Charity Navigator!

Behind the Scenes at Charity Navigator: The Analyst Team

As the charitable sector grows and evolves, we here at Charity Navigator pride ourselves on our ability to make impactful philanthropy easier for all. We accomplish this by providing a variety of tools on our website to empower donors and to help them make informed decisions in their charitable giving. These tools span from our Ratings Profiles, Advisory System, Hot Topic lists, Giving Basket, and so much more. 

Microphilanthropy 101

Like everything in the world, nothing is certain. Weather patterns shift, the stock market fluctuates, new technology trends emerge, and consumer behaviors evolve. No industry is exempt from the precarity of change, not even philanthropy. Historically, philanthropy was an exclusive activity of the wealthy, where guests would attend high profile events to write large checks or bid on coveted items. With the introduction of the web and social media, philanthropy is now more accessible and transparent to the everyday person. While microphilanthropy used to be seen as the underdog of philanthropy, it is beginning to punch well above its weight.

Organizing “Days of Service” during COVID-19

COVID-19 has brought unprecedented challenges, especially for organizations relying on volunteers.

If you are one of those organizations, in a normal July, you might be planning (or planning to be a part of) an annual “Day of Service” and connecting with corporate volunteers. But this year, you might be considering canceling (or vastly rethinking) these critical events.

Highlights of the New Nonprofit Profile Page

Written by Stephen Rockwell, Chief Ratings Technology Officer at Charity Navigator. Stephen is leading the team of charity analysts, program specialists, and development engineers that will launch the new rating methodology and criteria. Read the preceding four installments here. 

World Animal Protection and Its Renewed Fight to End The Global Wildlife Trade

According to our June 2020 survey of rated nonprofits, 72% of organizations have suffered financially due to the pandemic. Additionally, almost 56% of respondents are reporting an increased demand in programs. To overcome this disruption and to continue to serve communities in need, many nonprofits are adapting and innovating.

Today, we are honored to share a first-hand account of what innovation and adaptation look like during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic crisis from the World Animal Protection.

What Factors of Organizational Effectiveness are Important to You?

Written by Stephen Rockwell, Chief Ratings Technology Officer at Charity Navigator. Stephen is leading the team of charity analysts, program specialists, and development engineers that will launch the new rating methodology and criteria. Read the preceding three installments here. 

4 Ways to Safely Celebrate Independence Day This Year

Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸It's that time of year again where we celebrate the birth of our country. Except this year, things are a little different -- and in more ways than one. Reopening states have been put on pause as COVID-19 cases have surged. That’s why it’s more important than ever to wear a mask, stay home if you can, and celebrate the Fourth of July as safely as possible.