Civil War Preservation Trust Earns Second Consecutive Charity Navigator 4-Star Rating

America’s leading charity watchdog recognizes group for its continued outstanding fiscal management

(Washington, D.C.) – For the second consecutive year, Charity Navigator, America’s leading charity evaluator, has awarded the Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT) its coveted 4-star ranking, indicating it to be one of America’s best managed nonprofit groups. Moreover, with a score of 68.84 out of a possible 70, the evaluation was the most favorable CWPT has yet received.

“Civil War Preservation Trust consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America,” noted Charity Navigator President and CEO Ken Berger, in his December 3, 2010, letter announcing the honor. “This ‘exceptional’ designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Civil War Preservation Trust from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.”

CWPT President James Lighthizer expressed appreciation for the award, saying: “During this difficult economy, donors seek out charitable causes that are careful stewards of their generosity, and CWPT goes the extra mile to make sure every donated dollar counts. Receiving the Charity Navigator 4-star rating again this year is a testament to our constant effort to pursue our mission — saving hallowed ground —in a responsible, transparent, cost-effective manner.”

Berger echoed Lighthizer’s remarks, stating: “In this competitive philanthropic marketplace, Charity Navigator, America’s premier charity evaluator, highlights the fine work of efficient charities … and provides donors with essential information to give them greater confidence in the charitable choices they make.”

Charity Navigator’s designation of CWPT as a 4-star charity comes amidst several major acquisition projects for the organization. Currently, efforts are underway to permanently preserve hallowed ground at Spring Hill, Tennessee, Bentonville, North Carolina, and the Wilderness, Virginia. Overall, CWPT has protected more than 29,000 acres of battlefield land at 109 sites in 20 states.

Charity Navigator is the nation’s largest and most-utilized independent evaluator of charities. Its professional analysts examine tens of thousands of non-profit financial documents each year. Forbes, Business Week, and Kiplinger’s Financial Magazine have profiled and celebrated Charity Navigator’s unique method of applying data-driven analysis to the charities. Charity Navigator uses its analysis to develop an unbiased, objective rating system that assesses the financial health of more than 5,000 of America’s best-known charities. According to Charity Navigator, its rating system influenced over $10 billion in charitable gifts last year.

With 55,000 members, CWPT is the largest nonprofit battlefield preservation organization in the United States. Its mission is to preserve our nation’s endangered Civil War battlefields and to promote appreciation of these hallowed grounds. CWPT has preserved more than 29,000 acres of battlefield land across the nation. CWPT’s website is www.civilwar.org