Independent Charity Ratings for the National Council on Aging (NCOA)
Charity Navigator: A Four-Star Score
Charity Navigator is one of the most well-known independent assessors of charities in the United States. It evaluates nonprofits based on two main categories: Accountability & Finance and Culture & Community. For the National Council on Aging (NCOA), Charity Navigator has awarded an excellent rating.
As of recent evaluations, NCOA holds a coveted Four-Star rating, the highest possible score. This rating reflects a high overall score, calculated from multiple sub-scores:
- Accountability & Finance: This beacon score, weighted at 83%, assesses a charity's financial health, efficiency, and governance. NCOA received a high score in this area, demonstrating responsible use of funds.
- Leadership & Adaptability: This category examines a charity's strategic planning and goal-setting. NCOA presents evidence of thoughtful strategy, with clear mission and vision statements and strategic goals for impacting older adults.
- Culture & Community: This newer beacon considers a charity's feedback practices and responsiveness to the people it serves. NCOA demonstrates commitment to collecting and using feedback to improve its programs and address community needs.
BBB Wise Giving Alliance: Standards for Charity Accountability
The BBB Wise Giving Alliance (Give.org) is another respected charity evaluator that assesses organizations against a set of 20 standards for charity accountability. These standards cover a range of topics, including governance, finances, results reporting, and truthful representations.
According to its reports, the National Council on Aging meets all 20 of the BBB's Standards for Charity Accountability. Meeting these rigorous standards is a strong indicator of a nonprofit's integrity, transparency, and ethical practices. The BBB also maintains a business profile for NCOA, reflecting an A+ rating for the organization as a whole.
CharityWatch: A B+ Financial Rating
Unlike other evaluators, CharityWatch issues a letter grade rating that primarily focuses on financial efficiency. It analyzes financial information to determine what percentage of a charity's spending goes toward programs versus fundraising and administrative costs.
As of July 2025, CharityWatch gives NCOA a B+ rating. This rating is based on an analysis of NCOA's financial statements and takes into account factors like the use of contributed non-financial assets, such as donated advertising. While a different rating scale, a B+ from CharityWatch indicates a good level of financial performance and efficiency.
GuideStar (Candid): Gold Seal of Transparency
GuideStar, now part of Candid, provides information on nonprofits' missions, finances, and program results. It awards seals of transparency to organizations that provide comprehensive information to the public.
The National Council on Aging has earned the Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. This seal indicates that NCOA provides up-to-date and detailed information about its programs, finances, and leadership. Organizations with this seal are committed to sharing key performance indicators and financial data, ensuring donors have access to the information needed to make informed decisions.
Comparing NCOA's Ratings: A Quick Look
| Rating Organization | Rating/Seal | Primary Focus | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charity Navigator | 4-Star | Accountability, Finance, Culture, and Community | Highest rating for overall effectiveness and transparency. |
| BBB Wise Giving Alliance | Meets All 20 Standards | Accountability, Governance, Results Reporting | Confirms ethical and transparent operations. |
| CharityWatch | B+ | Financial Efficiency | Indicates solid financial performance and spending habits. |
| GuideStar (Candid) | Gold Seal of Transparency | Information Sharing and Impact Reporting | Demonstrates commitment to providing detailed public data. |
NCOA's Internal Commitment to Excellence
Beyond third-party ratings, NCOA maintains its own internal standards to ensure its mission is carried out with integrity. This includes a robust ethics and compliance program that promotes transparency and fairness.
Additionally, NCOA has established a Standards of Excellence program for its partners, particularly those offering Medicare and financial services. This program guarantees that clients receive unbiased, high-quality advice and are never pressured into purchasing products. This commitment to its own standards reinforces the positive evaluations from external agencies.
To learn more about NCOA's accountability and programs, you can visit their website here: National Council on Aging Accountability
Conclusion: Informed Giving for Healthy Aging
The question of what is the rating of the National Council on Aging can be answered with confidence. Independent assessments from several respected charity watchdogs consistently give NCOA high marks for accountability, financial health, and transparency. A Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, meeting all BBB standards, and a B+ from CharityWatch indicate that NCOA is a reputable organization that effectively uses its resources to serve older adults. For those interested in healthy aging and senior care, supporting NCOA means contributing to an organization with a proven track record of integrity and positive impact.
