Army Emergency Relief’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator.

This is the seventh consecutive time AER — U.S. Army’s only nonprofit — earned this top distinction. Only 10 percent of the organizations Charity Navigator evaluates have received at least seven consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating AER outperforms most other charities in America.

“Army Emergency Relief is proud to once again earn this rating from Charity Navigator,” said retired Lt. Gen. Raymond Mason, AER director. “This designation proves our commitment to supporting the U.S. Army’s No. 1 priority: its people. For more than 80 years, AER has been there for Soldiers and their Families when they need it most. It also proves to our donors we value their efforts, and we are good stewards of their donated money.”

AER provides grants, interest-free loans and scholarships to promote readiness and relieve financial distress of Soldiers and their Families.

“Army Emergency Relief’s exceptional 4-star rating sets it apart from its peers and demonstrates its trustworthiness to the public,” said Michael Thatcher, President and CEO of Charity Navigator. “Only a quarter of charities rated by Charity Navigator receive the distinction of our 4-star rating. This adds AER to a preeminent group of charities working to overcome our world’s most pressing challenges. Based on its 4-star rating, people can trust that their donations are going to a financially responsible and ethical charity when they decide to support the U.S. Army’s only nonprofit.”

Since 2002, using objective analysis, Charity Navigator has awarded only the most fiscally responsible organizations a 4-star rating. In 2011, Charity Navigator added 17 metrics, focused on governance and ethical practices as well as measures of openness, to its ratings methodology. These Accountability and Transparency metrics, which account for 50 percent of a charity’s overall rating, reveal which charities operate in accordance with industry best practices and whether they are open with their donors and stakeholders. On June 1, 2016, Charity Navigator upgraded its methodology for rating each charity’s financial health. These enhancements further substantiate the financial health of four star-rated charities.

Learn more about AER’s Charity Navigator rating and other information about charitable giving.

Learn more about AER’s mission.