A Life Line

Measures how much of every dollar spent actually reaches programs, plus what it costs to raise $100 of donations. The worse of the two measures sets the letter (85%+ to programs is an A; under $15 to raise $100 is an A), averaged over the three most recent filings. Not scored for A Life Line— this filing type doesn't report it, and the rating simply skips it (never counts it against the organization). See the exact thresholds →

Measures whether the organization is built to last: how many months its reserves would cover expenses (3+ months earns an A-range score, but hoarding 5+ years of budget is capped) and whether it runs a surplus or a deficit. For A Life Line: 28 mo reserves · +4% margin earns a A on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →

Checks how the organization is run, from its own Form 990: an independent board majority, a board of five or more, conflict-of-interest, whistleblower and document-retention policies, and independently audited financials. The share of disclosed checks that pass sets the letter. Not scored for A Life Line— this filing type doesn't report it, and the rating simply skips it (never counts it against the organization). See the exact thresholds →

Counts five disclosure signals: a recent filing, a mission statement, program descriptions, a listed website, and the full expense breakdown. More disclosure, better letter. For A Life Line: 1 of 5 disclosure signals earns a D on this criterion. See the exact thresholds →