Charity Navigator, America’s leading charity evaluator, has awarded Water For People its highest rating of four stars for the seventh consecutive year. This award is reserved for charities that demonstrate the highest levels of operational excellence and fiscal management.

Founded in 1991, Water For People is a Denver-based private, nonprofit international humanitarian organization that supports the development of sustainable safe drinking water resources and improved sanitation facilities in developing countries.

Only 2 percent of the 5,000-plus charities rated by Charity Navigator have achieved a four-star rating for 7 or more consecutive years. This designation is based on Water For People’s 2008 fiscal performance.

“Charity Navigator provides an important service to donors looking for independent verification of a charity’s fiscal effectiveness. We are pleased to be recognized for our careful stewardship of donor dollars,” says Ned Breslin, CEO of Water For People. “We look forward to continued recognition not only for our fiscal responsibility, but also for the transformative field results we achieve in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.”

One of the key metrics used in Charity Navigator’s rating process is the functional allocation of resources, as measured by the percentage of revenues used for program expenses as opposed to administrative and fundraising expenses. As measured by this standard, Water For People always has achieved the highest rankings.