Special Operations Warrior Foundation Awarded Top Rating 4 Years in Row by Charity Navigator

Online, November 3, 2009 (Newswire.com) - The Special Operations Warrior Foundation was awarded the prestigious four-star rating for the fourth consecutive year by Charity Navigator, the nation's leading charity watchdog group. The Tampa-based Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides support and assistance to the families of wounded and fallen special operations personnel, earned the coveted rating for its ability to efficiently manage and grow its finances.

Only 7% of the charities evaluated by Charity Navigator have received at least four consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Special Operations Warrior Foundation consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America.

"This exceptional designation differentiates Special Operations Warrior Foundation from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust," said Ken Berger, President/CEO, Charity Navigator.

Charity Navigator uses a number of measures to evaluate charities including how much money they direct to their core missions compared with overhead and fundraising, explained Steven L. McLeary, SOWF Executive Director.

"Every single day, the foundation strives to be the best. As a result, we are able to keep our overhead low and 93 cent of every dollar goes directly to our programs," said McLeary. "The best charities are transparent and accountable to their giving public."

"The four-star rating from Charity Navigator is important to the foundation because it substantiates our commitment to supporting the families of wounded and fallen special operations personnel while also being good stewards of the donations provided for our noble cause," said John T. Carney, SOWF President and CEO.

The Special Operations Warrior Foundation is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1980 to provide support and assistance to America's special operations personnel and their families. It serves some 60,000 Army, Navy, Air force and Marine Corps special operations personnel and their families through its three primary programs: immediate funding for families of wounded special operations personnel so they can travel to be bedside during their loved ones' recovery; college educations for the children of fallen special operations personnel; and family and academic counseling.

Today, there are more than 800 children in the foundation's program. Some 125 students are enrolled in colleges and universities across the country with funding by the foundation, which includes tuition, books, fees, room, board, expenses, computer and printer.

Last year, the foundation provided $1.7 million in scholarship grants, academic, financial aid and family support to our families. The foundation also provided $840,000 for wounded troops to date.

For more information visit online at www.specialops.org or call (813) 805-9400.