St. Petersburg, FL, (July 3, 2018) – Daystar Life Center’s 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 first time that the downtown St. Petersburg oasis for the hungry and homeless has earned this top distinction.
“It’s important our donors trust that we’re using their donations wisely to provide more help for our neighbors in need,” said Jane Walker, Executive Director of Daystar Life. “Our 4-star Charity Navigator rating demonstrates to our supporters – and the community we serve – our good governance and financial accountability.”Since 2002, using objective analysis, Charity Navigator has awarded only the most fiscally responsible organizations a 4-star rating. In 2011, Charity Navigator added 17 metrics, focused on governance and ethical practices as well as measures of openness, to its ratings methodology. On June 1, 2016, we upgraded our methodology for rating each charity’s’ financial health with enhancements to further substantiate the financial health of our four star charities.
“Daystar Life Center’s 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 Daystar Life 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 Daystar Life.”
About Charity Navigator
Charity Navigator, www.charitynavigator.org, is the largest charity evaluator in America and its website attracts more visitors than all other charity rating groups combined. The organization helps guide intelligent giving by evaluating the Financial Health and Accountability & Transparency of more than 8,000 charities
About Daystar Life Center
Daystar Life Center, www.daystarlife.com, was founded in 1982 by Monsignor John P. McNulty as an outreach ministry of Saint Mary Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in St. Petersburg, FL. We provide the necessities of life to our neighbors in need — in order to alleviate hunger, homelessness, and hopelessness.
Daystar Life Center is funded by monetary donations from generous individuals, businesses, churches, and civic associations; in-kind donations from the community of food, household goods, and personal care items; and grants from Pinellas County, the City of St. Petersburg, and local businesses. Thanks to our committed core of over 200 volunteers – and small dedicated staff – we have been able to devote 95% of our income to program services with only 5% spent on fundraising and administration.
Daystar Life’s rating and other information about charitable giving are available free of charge on www.charitynavigator.org.