For eight consecutive years, Charity Navigator has awarded Compassion International, the world's largest Christian child development organization, its highest rating—four-stars—for responsible financial management.  Evaluating more than 5,400 charities each year, Charity Navigator is the largest independent evaluator of charities in the nation.

"Only one percent of the charities we rate have received at least eight consecutive four-star evaluations, indicating that Compassion International consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and out performs most other charities in America," said Charity Navigator President and CEO Ken Berger.  "This 'exceptional' designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Compassion International from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust."

According to Giving USA Foundation, charitable giving by individuals is down an inflation-adjusted 6 percent (Associated Press: July 24, 2009).  With less to give in these tough economic times, donors are becoming increasingly vigilant about how their money is being used by charities.  Charity Navigator provides a way for donors to carefully evaluate a charity's financial health and efficiency.

"Now more than ever, the fiscal integrity of both private and public organizations are justly scrutinized by government officials and private citizens alike," said Compassion President Dr. Wess Stafford.  "A cornerstone practice for us has always been our commitment to financial stewardship to both the children we serve and the sponsors and donors who trust us with their hard-earned money.  We are honored to again receive this significant recognition."

Compassion works effectively through local churches to release children from poverty in 25 of the world's poorest countries. As the world's largest one-to-one child development and sponsorship organization serving over 1 million children worldwide, Compassion takes an individualized, holistic approach to meet the personal needs of each child.

"At the end of the day, it comes down to bringing hope to one needy child where once only hopelessness existed," said Stafford. "At Compassion, we do this more than one million times each day but in unique and personal ways.  This is our calling and our passion. Releasing children from poverty doesn't just mean caring for them for the day.  It means giving them the tools they need to break poverty's vicious cycle not only for themselves but for their entire family."

Compassion International is the world's largest Christian child development organization that permanently releases children from poverty. Founded in 1952, Compassion successfully tackles global poverty one child at a time, serving more than 1 million children in 25 of the world's poorest countries. Recognizing that poverty is more than a lack of money, Compassion works holistically through local churches to address the individual physical, economic, educational and spiritual needs of children - enabling them to thrive, not just survive. Charity Navigator, America's largest charity evaluator, has awarded Compassion its highest rating—four stars—for eight consecutive years, placing Compassion in the top one percent of all charities.