AEF Receives 6th Consecutive 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator

For the 6th consecutive year, Charity Navigator has awarded the American Eagle Foundation a 4-star rating. This is their highest possible rating and indicates that AEF adheres to sector best practices and executes its mission in a financially efficient way. Attaining a 4-star rating verifies that American Eagle Foundation exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in our area of work. Only 7% of the charities evaluated by Charity Navigator have received at least 6 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that American Eagle Foundation outperforms most other charities in America. This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator sets American Eagle Foundation apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness.  Read more about the American Eagle Foundation’s accreditation, memberships, and permits. A copy of our 2017 audited Annual Report can be accessed here.

Letter from Charity Navigator to the AEF

139 Harrisontown Rd • Glen Rock, NJ  08452 phone (201) 818-1288 • fax (201) 818-2694 www.charitynavigator.org

November 1, 2018

Jim Marietta American Eagle Foundation Post Office Box 333 Pigeon Forge, TN 37868

Dear Jim Marietta:

On behalf of Charity Navigator, I wish to congratulate American Eagle Foundation on attaining the coveted 4- star rating for demonstrating strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.

The nonprofit sector is advancing and expanding. As our organizations evolve, so do the desires and interests of our supporters. Astute donors are yearning for greater accountability, transparency, and for concrete results from us. With more than 1.5 million American charities, Charity Navigator aims to accentuate the work of efficient and transparent organizations. The intent of our work is to provide donors with essential information to give them greater confidence in both the charitable decisions that they make and the nonprofit sector.

Based on the most recent information available and in conjunction with our updated financial methodology, we have issued a new rating for your organization. We are proud to announce American Eagle Foundation has earned our 4-star rating for the sixth consecutive year. This is our highest possible rating and indicates that your organization adheres to sector best practices and executes its mission in a financially efficient way. Attaining a 4-star rating verifies that American Eagle Foundation exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in your area of work.  Only 7% of the charities we evaluate have received at least 6 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that American Eagle Foundation outperforms most other charities in America. This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator sets American Eagle Foundation apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness. Approximately only a quarter of rated charities have achieved this distinction!

Forbes, Business Week, and Kiplinger’s Financial Magazine, among others, have profiled and celebrated our unique method of applying data-driven analysis to the charitable sector. We evaluate ten times more charities than our nearest competitor and currently attract more visitors to our website than all other charity rating groups combined, thus making us the leading charity evaluator in America. Our data shows that users of our site donated more than they planned to before viewing our findings, and in fact, it is estimated that last year Charity Navigator influenced approximately $10 billion in charitable gifts.

Your achievement and the 4-star rating will enhance your organization’s fundraising and public relations efforts. Our favorable review of American Eagle Foundation’s financial health and commitment to accountability & transparency is now visible on our website.

We wish you continued success in your charitable endeavors.

Sincerely,

Michael Thatcher President and CEO