SFI has earned the highest possible rating from the independent charity evaluator Charity Navigator, recognizing the Institute’s governance, fiscal management, and commitment to accountability and transparency.

The ratings “certify that SFI manages its operations and addresses its mission in the most responsible and transparent manner in an increasingly complex fiscal environment," says SFI Vice President for Advancement Nancy Deutsch. "This sends a strong signal to existing donors and prospective supporters that we are worthy of their investment in us. We are very proud of this recognition."  

“I am thrilled and gratified that the hard work of Nancy Deutsch and her Advancement team, the high quality of SFI’s financial and administrative management under Chris Wood and Marcella Austin, and the guidance of our Board of Trustees under Michael Mauboussin’s chairmanship have been recognized by Charity Navigator with its top rating,” says SFI President Jerry Sabloff

Charity Navigator's data-driven analysis results in a 4-star rating for only the most fiscally responsible organizations. Seventeen metrics in its ratings methodology focus on governance, ethical practices, and openness. These “Accountability & Transparency” metrics, which account for 50 percent of a charity’s overall rating, reveal which charities adhere to best practices that minimize the chance of unethical activities. The ratings also indicate whether a charity freely shares basic information about its organization with donors and other stakeholders.

“The Santa Fe Institute’s coveted 4-star rating puts it in a very select group of high-performing charities,” according to Tim Gamory, COO of Charity Navigator. “Out of the thousands of nonprofits Charity Navigator evaluates, only one out of four earns 4 stars -- a rating that demands rigor, responsibility, and commitment to openness. SFI’s supporters should feel much more confident that their hard-earned dollars are being used efficiently and responsibly when it acquires such a high rating.”

SFI also maintains the highest rank (“Gold” status) in the charity database GuideStar.