Trinity announced in December that for the third consecutive time, the College has been awarded a coveted 4-star rating — the highest possible — by Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest and most-utilized independent evaluator of charities, for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency in its fundraising and development activity.
Charity Navigator notes that in earning this highest possible rating, “Trinity College adheres to good governance and other best practices that minimize the chance of unethical activities and consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way.”
Michael Thatcher, president and CEO of Charity Navigator, reinforces this significance in context in his congratulatory letter: “Only 14 percent of the charities we rate have received at least three consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Trinity College outperforms most other charities in America. This ‘exceptional’ designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Trinity College from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.”
Trinity received a score of 90.27 out of a possible 100, placing the College in the “exceptional” category. Additionally, Trinity was one of 33 nonprofit organizations in Connecticut to receive four stars and one of two higher education institutions in the state to receive this rating. The other was Yale University.
“Trinity is honored to receive this distinction and to be recognized for our unflagging commitment to stewarding donor gifts,” said Vice President for College Advancement Jack Fracasso. “Earning a 4-star rating for the third consecutive time demonstrates that we take our fiduciary and governance responsibilities very seriously and is a testament to our continuous effort to be financially and ethically accountable.”
Editor’s note: Trinity College’s 4-star rating was valid till May 1, 2016. Charity Navigator no longer rates academic institutions. Instead, it evaluates organizations that rely largely on support from individual donors.