Save the Children Earns a 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator
Recognized for our commitment to accountability, financial stewardship and impact
Save the Children is proud to receive a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the organization's highest possible rating. A 4-star rating indicates that an organization meets or exceeds best practices and industry standards across nearly all areas included in its evaluation.
This recognition reflects our commitment to responsible financial stewardship, strong governance, transparency and delivering meaningful impact for children.
For donors, our 4-star rating provides another independent measure of confidence that Save the Children is committed to using support responsibly and effectively.
Charity Navigator's 2026 badge for Save the Children's Four-Star rating.
At a Glance: Save the Children’s Charity Navigator Rating
Rating: 4 out of 4 stars
What it means: What it means: Charity Navigator's highest rating, recognizing organizations that meet or exceed best practices and industry standards across nearly all evaluated areas.
How Charity Navigator Evaluates Charities
Charity Navigator's Encompass Rating System evaluates nonprofit performance across four key areas:
- Accountability & Finance
- Impact & Measurement
- Leadership & Planning
- Culture & Compensation
Together, these areas provide donors with a broader view of a nonprofit's financial health, accountability, organizational practices and impact. Charity Navigator uses publicly available IRS Form 990 information as well as information submitted by nonprofits through its Nonprofit Portal to calculate its ratings.
In 2026, Charity Navigator further strengthened its methodology, including greater emphasis on the quality of organizational practices and demonstrated impact, while retaining its familiar 0-to-4-star rating system.
What a 4-Star Charity Navigator Rating Means
A 4-star rating is Charity Navigator's highest designation. Organizations receiving four stars score 90 or above and meet or exceed best practices and industry standards across almost all areas included in their rating.
For Save the Children supporters, this independent recognition can provide added confidence in the organization behind their gift.
Responsible financial stewardship
Managing donor resources carefully to help maximize impact for children.
Accountability and transparency
Maintaining strong governance practices and making important financial and organizational information publicly available.
Measuring impact
Using data and evidence to understand results and strengthen our programs.
Continuous improvement
Learning from results, feedback and experience to improve how we serve children and families.
“Save the Children outperforms most other charities in America,” said Michael Thatcher, President and CEO, Charity Navigator. “This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Save the Children from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.”
Why Trust Matters When Choosing a Charity
When you make a charitable gift, you want to know that the organization you support will use it responsibly.
Independent charity evaluators like Charity Navigator can help donors make informed decisions by providing objective information about nonprofit performance, accountability and financial health.
Save the Children is also recognized as one of America’s Top 100 Charities by Forbes, reflecting our commitment to responsible stewardship, transparency and impact.
About Charity Navigator
Charity Navigator is an independent nonprofit evaluator that helps donors make informed giving decisions. Its current rating system assesses eligible charities across areas including accountability and finance, impact and measurement, leadership and planning, and culture and compensation.
Make An Impact
Our 4-star rating reflects our commitment to responsible stewardship, accountability and lasting impact for children.
Help create a better future for children. Make a secure gift today.
Updated: October 2026