The St. Louis region’s non-profit sector has moved to second place in performance, according to a study by Charity Navigator, America’s largest charity evaluator.  It is the only comprehensive report on the performance – both Financial Health and Accountability & Transparency – of the 30 largest philanthropic marketplaces in America.

In its study, Charity Navigator compared the median performance and size of the largest nonprofits in the 30 largest metropolitan markets (Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Colorado Springs, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis/ St. Paul, Nashville, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Washington, DC).  Those markets account for 62% of the 7,983 charities evaluated by Charity Navigator and they generate 76% of the total revenue and total spending.  The study revealed that regional factors, such as the cost of living, a market’s maturity and a city’s tendency to support one or two specialized causes, greatly influence the ability of the charities in each city to raise money, manage costs as well as their adherence to good governance policies and procedures.

Catholic Charities of St. Louis’ strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator.  This is the highest level that can be attained. “The St. Louis community is very giving and expects their donations to help those most in need,” said Theresa Ruzicka, President of Catholic Charities of St. Louis.  “Catholic Charities is thrilled to be rated among great organizations like the United Way of Greater St. Louis and to be one of only sixty-six charities in Missouri to have the distinction of a 4-star rating. This commitment to quality along with strong partners helps us make our community stronger.”

“Catholic Charities of St. Louis’ exceptional 4-star rating sets it apart from its peers and demonstrates its trustworthiness to the public,” according to Michael Thatcher, President & CEO of Charity Navigator. “Only a quarter of charities rated by Charity Navigator receive the distinction of our 4-star rating. This adds Catholic Charities of St. Louis to a preeminent group of charities working to overcome our world’s most pressing challenges. Based on its 4-star rating, people can trust that their donations are going to a financially responsible and ethical charity when they decide to support Catholic Charities.”