The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has received for the second consecutive year a coveted four-star rating from Charity Navigator (CN), America's premier independent charity evaluator.

"The four-star rating affirms ADRA’s focus on transparency and accountability," said Tereza Byrne, bureau chief for marketing and development at the ADRA International office. "With more than 95 percent of funding going toward direct humanitarian services, our donors are assured that their gifts are being used wisely to help those in need worldwide."

"Receiving four out of a possible four stars indicates that your organization excels as compared to other charities in America, in successfully managing the finances of your organization in an efficient and effective manner," said Aziza Musa, program analyst for Charity Navigator. "This consistency in your rating is an exceptional feat, especially given the economic challenges many charities have had to face in the last year," Musa finished.

An independent non-profit organization, Charity Navigator (CN) provides the public with the most accurate and reliable information regarding America’s largest charities. Every year, they evaluate more than 5,000 charitable organizations to ensure that donations given are being used judiciously.

In addition to earning Charity Navigator’s top rating, since 2003 ADRA has consistently met the highly regarded and exacting standards for charitable accountability created by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB Wise Giving Alliance Standards [www.give.org] were designed to promote confidence in charitable organizations and to help donors make wise choices when donating in the non-profit world.

ADRA is present in 125 countries, providing community development and emergency management without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, or ethnicity.

Link to the CN Home Page: http:// www.charitynavigator.org