The score
A composite score from 0 to 100
Every charity on GiveWise receives a composite score based on available ratings from GiveWell, Charity Navigator, and CharityWatch. Higher scores reflect stronger evaluations across financial efficiency, transparency, accountability, and evidence of impact.
A score of 87 means this charity received strong or top marks from the evaluators that have reviewed it. Scores are normalised to a 0–100 scale regardless of each evaluator's original grading system.
Data sources
Three evaluators, one score
Each evaluator brings a different analytical lens. Where multiple ratings exist for a charity, they are averaged into the composite. Where only one rating exists, that rating is used directly.
| Evaluator | Focus | Scale used |
|---|---|---|
| GiveWell | Evidence-based cost-effectiveness; primarily global health and poverty charities. Publishes detailed research for each recommended charity. | Top Charity / Standout Charity recommendation status, converted to score |
| Charity Navigator | Financial health, accountability, leadership, and culture across thousands of US nonprofits. | 0–100 star rating (4-star system) |
| CharityWatch | Financial efficiency (% of spending reaching programs) and transparency, independently graded since 1992. | A+ to F letter grade, converted to 0–100 |
Sub-scores
What else is shown on each card
The share of total spending that directly funds charitable programs, rather than administration or fundraising. Higher is generally better.
How openly the charity reports its finances, leadership, and governance. Based on availability of audited financials and public disclosures.
The charity's position relative to all others on GiveWise. Rank 1 is the highest composite score across all categories.
Limitations
What the score doesn't capture
Not every charity is rated by all three evaluators. Some excellent organisations — particularly smaller or newer ones — may only have one rating, or none at all. A lower score can sometimes reflect limited evaluator coverage rather than poor performance.
Additionally, evaluators weight different factors differently. GiveWell prioritises measurable cost-per-outcome, while Charity Navigator also considers governance and leadership. Our composite reflects the consensus across sources, not any single framework.
GiveWise scores are based on publicly available evaluator data updated periodically. They are provided for informational purposes and are not a substitute for your own research. When in doubt, read the evaluators' full reports before donating.