We are proud to report that for the third year in a row, Rainforest Trust has earned Charity Navigator’s coveted 4-STAR RATING for being one of the most efficient conservation nonprofits in the US.

Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest and most relied-upon charity evaluator, closely examines the fiscal operations of thousands of charities annually to determine their financial soundness.

Over 96% of our budget is spent on direct conservation action–a percentage that few conservation organizations in the US can boast.

In awarding Rainforest Trust this honor, Charity Navigator President Ken Berger said:

“Only 13% of the charities we rate have received at least 3 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Rainforest Trust consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way and outperforms most other charities in America. This ‘exceptional’ designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Rainforest Trust from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.”

Since our founding in 1988, we have prided ourselves on making Rainforest Trust one of the most efficient and effective conservation organizations in operation. Over the past 21 years we have protected 1.7 million acres for biodiversity conservation, while maintaining an extraordinarily low overhead. In fact, in 2010, only 3% of our budget was spent on fundraising and administrative expenses or other overhead costs.

Our method is simple: we buy land to protect it–saving more of our planet’s biological riches for future generations. Our highly experienced and dedicated staff and board, combined with the on-the-ground expertise of our partners, ensures that we are accomplishing as much as we can and addressing the most urgent priorities, all for the best possible price.

“We’re proud that once again Rainforest Trust has been singled-out by Charity Navigator for both its fiscal responsibility and its role as one of the most efficient actors on behalf of rainforests and critical habitat for endangered species,” said Rainforest Trust’ Executive Director, Byron Swift.