CHARLESTON — The Catholic Charities network, of which Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Charleston is a part, has been ranked third among the nation’s nonprofits in the country, according to The NonProfit Times, which publishes the oldest annual ranking of charities in the country.
The Catholic Charities network moved up from its fourth position ranking last year. 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.
Catholic Charities agencies nationwide provide a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from day care and counseling to food and housing. In 2003, local Catholic Charities agencies provided help and created hope for nearly than 7 million people in need, regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Charleston assisted 39,604 people in 2003.
The 2003 combined revenue of the Catholic Charities network was $2,858,623,665. Nearly 90 percent of these funds were spent on programs and services, making Catholic Charities one of the nation’s most efficient charities. The network’s 2003 expenses, such as programs and services, were $2,861,694,876.00.
The Catholic Charities network also moved closer to the top 10 in The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s annual “Philanthropy 400.” The network moved up two slots from 13th in 2002 to the 11th position in 2004. The Chronicle bases its rankings on the amount of private support received by nonprofits. Unlike The Nonprofit Times ranking, The Chronicle’s rankings do not take into account government funding or program fees.