MERS/Goodwill Earns Coveted Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator

Online, May 28, 2010 (Newswire.com) - MERS/Missouri Goodwill Industries has achieved a four-star rating for fiscal responsibility from Charity Navigator, the leading charity evaluator in America. The latest rating marks the fourth consecutive four-star evaluation that the St. Louis-based non-profit agency has earned for efficiently managing and growing its finances.

"We are pleased to once again receive such a favorable review of our fiscal management practices," said MERS/Goodwill president and CEO Lewis Chartock. "Donors deserve accountability, transparency and quantifiable results from the charities they chose to support with their hard-earned dollars. This latest evaluation can give MERS/Goodwill supporters confidence knowing that our organization manages funds responsibly as we provide for the vocational needs of individuals facing employment barriers."

Only 8 percent of the charities that Charity Navigator rates have received at least four consecutive four-star evaluations. "This 'exceptional' designation from Charity Navigator differentiates MERS/Missouri Goodwill Industries from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust," said Charity Navigator president and chief executive officer Ken Berger.

Charity Navigator ratings are based on the financial information that a charity provides in its informational tax returns, or IRS Form 990. Financial performance categories that undergo careful scrutiny include program expenses, administrative expenses, fundraising expenses, fundraising efficiency, primary revenue growth, program expenses growth and working capital ratio.

Forbes, Business Week, and Kiplinger's Financial Magazine, among others, have profiled Charity Navigator's unique method of applying data-driven analysis to the charitable sector. In addition, is estimated that last year Charity Navigator findings influenced over $10 billion in charitable gifts.

About MERS/Goodwill
MERS/Goodwill is a non-profit agency that provides for the vocational needs of individuals who have barriers to employment through disability or economic disadvantage. Annually serving more than 11,000 people, the organization operates 38 service centers in 53 counties in the bi-state area. Revenues from 40 Goodwill stores and the auto donation program assist with funding MERS/Goodwill job training and employment services. MERS/Goodwill is a proud member of the United Way. For more information about MERS/Goodwill or to find a Goodwill donation center near you, call 314-241-3464 or visit www.mersgoodwill.org.