Perkins earns 4-star rating on Charity Navigator!

In these challenging economic times, Perkins is especially proud to assure our supporters we are making the most of each and every dollar and using innovation to grow our programs and reach more people. That's why we wanted to share some exciting news with you - Charity Navigator, America's largest independent evaluator of charities, has given Perkins four out of four stars.

What does a 4-star Charity Navigator rating mean to you?

This rating brings a new level of transparency to Perkins' fiscal management - highlighting our efficiency and accountability in executing our mission. To determine this rating, Charity Navigator evaluated Perkins' program, administrative, and fundraising expenses, as well as fundraising efficiency and program growth. See Perkins page on Charity Navigator.

With your support, Perkins is making strides on campus, in the community, and around the world. Here are just a few highlights from 2008:

• 200 students on our campus were empowered by essential technologies and individualized training, learning from the best teachers, clinicians, therapists, and counselors.
• Over 27,000 children and adults received free audio, braille, and large print books from Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library.
• 500 infants and toddlers who are blind or visually impaired received early intervention services from Perkins in their homes, and 700 individuals ages 55 and older benefited from daily living skills training in their homes and on our campus.
• Committed to increasing the ability of international local populations to provide their own services, we trained more than 8,800 professionals around the globe working with children who are blind or deafblind.

Thank you for helping us to enhance the lives of 94,000 people in 63 countries around the world in 2008. When considering your charitable giving in 2009, we hope you will remember Perkins and trust that every dollar is helping to create new possibilities for babies, children and adults who are blind, deafblind, or visually impaired with or without other disabilities.