What Is the Charity Journal Rating?
The Charity Journal Rating is a structured credibility score assigned to charities and nonprofit organisations based on six independently weighted categories.
Important: Charity Journal ratings are editorial assessments, not regulatory audits. Scores should be read alongside the full review article.
What We Measure and Why
Transparency
Weight: 20%Annual reports, audited financials, public disclosures, and open governance documentation.
Financial Health
Weight: 20%Overhead ratios, fundraising efficiency, reserve funds, and fiscal responsibility.
Impact & Effectiveness
Weight: 25%Measurable outcomes, evidence-based programmes, beneficiary reach, and mission alignment.
Governance
Weight: 15%Board independence, conflict-of-interest policies, executive compensation, and ethical standards.
Accountability
Weight: 10%Third-party evaluations, watchdog ratings, complaint mechanisms, and donor stewardship.
Community Trust
Weight: 10%Beneficiary satisfaction, volunteer ratings, media reputation, and community relationships.
How Scores Become Grades
| Grade | Score Range | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 95–100 | Exceptional across every category. |
| A | 90–94 | Outstanding. Sector-leading performance. |
| A− | 85–89 | Excellent. Strong across all categories with minor gaps. |
| B+ | 80–84 | Very good. Solid with visible but non-critical weaknesses. |
| B | 75–79 | Good. Meets most sector standards. |
| B− | 70–74 | Above average. Notable gap in at least one area. |
| C+ | 65–69 | Average. Performs adequately in some areas. |
| C | 60–64 | Below average. Read full review before giving. |
| C− | 55–59 | Weak in multiple categories. |
| D+ / D | 40–54 | Well below sector standards. |
| F | 0–39 | Critical failures or serious governance breaches. |
Challenging a Score
Email hello@charityjournal.org with the subject line Score Correction Request.