Catholic Charities ranked second-largest nonprofit in US

Nov 22, 2005 / 22:00 pm

Catholic Charities USA has received two top rankings by respected nonprofit publications. It was ranked the second-largest nonprofit organization in the United States, by The NonProfit Times, and The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked it 10th among the nation's largest fundraising organizations.

Judy Bokorney, public information officer for Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Venice, Florida, shared the news in a recent issue of The Sun.

To be included in the "NPT 100," nonprofits must raise at least 10 percent of their total revenue from public sources, such as individual donors and foundations. The Chronicle ranks the nation's largest nonprofit groups by how much money they raise from private sources.

In 2004, the combined revenue of the Catholic Charities network was $3,189,302,436, more than $580 million came from private donations, reported Bokorney.

According to the public information officer, the network's total expenses for 2004 were $3,035,709,486; nearly 90 percent of all revenue was spent on programs and services, helping 7.1 million people, and making Catholic Charities one of the most efficient charities in the country.

For example, Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Venice uses 92 cents of every dollar donated for direct services. As a result, this year the organization was awarded the top four-star rating by Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities, said Bokorney.

Catholic Charities continues to seek funds to help those who have suffered the devastation of the recent hurricanes. Citizens are invited to contribute to the organization’s Christmas Appeal.