The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has been recognized as one of the top 100 most valuable brand names, with worth US$60.4 million, among 1.5 million non-profit entities in the United States of America, according to a new report.

The YMCA of the USA has the nation's most valuable nonprofit brand, worth almost US$6.4 billion, according to Cone's Nonprofit Power Brand 100 study.

The Cone Nonprofit Power Brand 100 report, which appeared in the New York Times and other leading publications, ranks ADRA 76th among organizations that work to provide humanitarian aid, environmental protection, social assistance, education, health services, and animal rights advocacy. Other non-profit organizations acknowledged in the report included the YMCA, Salvation Army, American Cancer Society, Make-A-Wish Foundation, World Wildlife Fund, Special Olympics, and Boy Scouts of America.

"We are very proud of the recognition that we have received from the Cone Nonprofit Power Brand 100, and for having earned a reputation as an organization with uncompromising integrity," said Charles Sandefur, president for ADRA International. "We remain committed to the cause, continuing in our mission to make a difference in the lives of those who are most in need, all around the world."

The Cone Nonprofit Power Brand 100, released by Cone LLC in partnership with Intangible Business, a British brand-valuation company, is the first public ranking to value non-profit organizations in the United States on more than just their financial standing. Research for the report used a number of criteria for selection, including their potential for future growth, how many volunteers they have, and the amount of news-media coverage they receive, as well as the results of a nationally representative consumer perception survey, and five years of consolidated financial data.

According to Alison DaSilva, executive vice president of Knowledge Leadership and Insights for Cone, the report was designed to provide the information and the motivation that nonprofits need to not only protect their brands but also make those brands more effective.

"Today’s nonprofits are on par with the leading companies,” said DaSilva. “A compelling brand is an invaluable tool in their arsenal to generate critical funds, secure rewarding corporate and government partnerships and appeal to consumers, employees and volunteers."

In addition to this latest achievement, in 2008 ADRA was recognized for a fourth straight year as one of the top 400 U.S.-based non-profit organizations, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, a bi-weekly newspaper for the non-profit world and top news source for charities. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance also awarded ADRA its fifth consecutive Charity Seal in recognition of ADRA’s efficiency and commitment to transparency and accountability.

ADRA also continues to hold a four-star rating with Charity Navigator, the largest independent charity evaluator in the United States of America.

Cone, LLC, a strategy and communications agency, is engaged in building brand trust and creating stakeholder loyalty. London-based Intangible Business is a leading independent brand valuation consultant firm, with offices in over 12 countries, including the US.

ADRA is a non-governmental organization present in 125 countries providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race, or ethnicity.

For more information, visit www.adra.org