As we all know, not all charities are as charitable as they should be.
That’s why charity evaluators like Charity Navigator are important, holding charities up to the light to make sure they are serving their stated constituency and not padding the pockets of administrators or serving a hidden agenda.
For the fourth straight year, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges has earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest charity evaluator. The Metro Y was noted for its transparency and for the fact that 91.8 percent of the charity’s total expenses are spent on the programs and services it delivers.
Read Charity Navigator’s full report on the Metro YMCA here.
John P. Dugan, Charity Navigator founder and board chairman, noted: “Only 8% of the charities we rate have received at least four consecutive four-star evaluations, indicating that Metro YMCA of the Oranges outperforms most other charities in America. This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator differentiates the YMCA from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.”
The Metro YMCA is the largest association of YMCAs in New Jersey, serving more than 35,000 people at its six branches. One of those branches — the South Mountain YMCA — is located in Maplewood and serves the South Orange/Maplewood community and environs.
Receiving Charity Navigator’s highest distinction “reflects our accountability to all our constituencies, and our commitment to our mission of strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility,” said Stuart Vorcheimer, chairman of the Metro YMCA’s board of directors.
Metro YMCA President and CEO Richard K. Gorab added, “This high rating coupled with the Y’s growing reputation as a leading cause-driven organization highlights our focus on good stewardship of charitable contributions and maintaining the public trust.”
A nonprofit itself, Charity Navigator accepts no advertising or donations from the organizations it evaluates and doesn’t charge the public to access its data.
