Pittsburgh, Pa. – Feb. 28, 2020 – For the 17th time since 2002, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has received a four-star rating for strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent evaluator of charities.
According to Charity Navigator, the four-star rating is the highest possible rating it issues and indicates that the Conservancy consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way. The rating also signifies that the Conservancy adheres to good governance and other best practices that minimize the chance of unethical activities with financial contributions and donations.
“Attaining a four-star rating verifies that Western Pennsylvania Conservancy exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in your area of work. Only 15 percent of the charities we evaluate have received at least five consecutive four-star evaluations,” said Michael Thatcher, Charity Navigator president and CEO in a letter to the Conservancy. “This exceptional designation sets the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness.”
Michael Couch, a long-time donor and loyal supporter, appreciates that the designation gives him greater confidence in his charitable decisions. “I donate because I trust that WPC is a wise steward of my money,” Michael said. “I know that it will be put to a use that inspires me.”
Established in 1932, WPC conserves land and restores and protects miles of rivers and streams, and operates and preserves Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece, Fallingwater, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Conservancy also enriches cities and towns through tree plantings, 132 community gardens and other green spaces in 20 counties throughout the region.
More information about the Conservancy’s rating is available on the Charity Navigator website at www.charitynavigator.org or by accessing WPC’s Charity Navigator profile.
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About the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy:
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC) enhances the region by protecting and restoring exceptional places. A private nonprofit conservation organization founded in 1932, WPC has helped to establish 11 state parks, conserved more than a quarter million acres of natural lands and protected or restored more than 3,000 miles of rivers and streams. The Conservancy owns and operates Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, now on the UNESCO World Heritage List, which symbolizes people living in harmony with nature. In addition, WPC enriches our region’s cities and towns through 132 community gardens and other green spaces that are planted with the help of more than 11,000 volunteers. The work of WPC is accomplished through the support of more than 9,000 members. For more information, visit WaterLandLife.org or Fallingwater.org.
Media Contact:
Carmen Bray
Director of Communications
412-586-2358
cbray@paconserve.org