The NASW Foundation has received its third consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the largest independent-rating organization of nonprofit charitable and educational organizations in the U.S.

Receiving four out of four stars indicates an organization excels in successfully managing its finances in an efficient and effective manner.

"This consistency in your rating is an exceptional feat, especially given the economic challenges many charities have had to face in the last year," said Farhana Arastu, program analyst with Charity Navigator.

Robert Arnold, director of the NASW Foundation, said it was an honor to receive the highest rating for the third consecutive year. It is an achievement reached by only 10 percent of the charities evaluated by Charity Navigator.

"This commendation assures our donors and other partners that we are furthering the mission of the NASW Foundation in a fiscally responsible way," Arnold said.

"This rating provides continued assurance that the NASW Foundation carries out its activities efficiently and effectively," he said.

Arnold noted the NASW Foundation relies on members and friends to support the many charitable and educational activities the foundation carries out.

"We are the sole charitable organization supporting the entire social work profession," he said.

Activities benefited by the foundation include:

• Scholarships and fellowships
• Research projects
• Continuing education programs
• Support of NASW Chapter charitable and educational activities
• Celebration of accomplished social workers
• Social work history projects
• The National Social Work Public Education Campaign

"We thank our donors for their many gifts of all sizes and look forward to their continued support as our programs are needed more than ever," Arnold said.