HARTFORD, Connecticut – For the third year in a row, the Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation (UCEF) received the highest four-star rating from the prestigious Charity Navigator rating service in recognition of its strong performance as a charitable organization cost effective and mission oriented. UCEF is known throughout the Ukrainian community as the main fundraising arm of the Ukrainian Catholic University of Lviv, widely recognized among the best higher education institutions in Ukraine.

In a July 1 letter to UCEF COO Joseph Solimini, Charity Navigator President and CEO Michael Thatcher applauded UCEF.

“I would like to congratulate the Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation for achieving the coveted 4-star rating for demonstrating strong financial health and a commitment to accountability and transparency,” Thatcher said.

Responding to Charity Navigator’s latest assessment, UCEF Board Chairman Taras Szmagala, Jr. noted how much the rating means to UCEF.

“This four-star rating underscores UCEF’s commitment to efficiency and transparency, and it reconfirms our donors that their funds are being used as intended – to help the Ukrainian Catholic University,” Szmagala said. .

In his letter, Mr. Thatcher explained why UCEF received the four star rating.
“This is our highest possible rating and indicates that your organization adheres to industry best practices and performs its mission in a financially efficient manner,” said Mr. Thatcher.

“Obtaining a four-star rating confirms that the Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in your field of activity.

As the name suggests, Charity Navigator was created to help donors and foundations navigate among more than 160,000 charities operating in the United States, to help them assess their profitability and the impact of their operations in the US nonprofit sector. Forbes, Business Week, and Kiplinger’s Financial Magazine, among others, showcased and celebrated Charity Navigator’s unique method of applying data-driven analytics to the charitable sector.

“The four-star rating awarded by Charity Navigator underscores UCEF’s respect for our donors and their designated use of funds,” said Joseph Solimini, COO of UCEF. “Receiving this award for the third year in a row motivates our team to share the good news and achievements of UCU with all of our supporters and friends. “

Based on the latest data from the Ukrainian Ministry of Education, over the past few years UCU students have achieved the highest average scores of all new classes of students on standardized national tests: ZNO ( the Ukrainian acronym for external independent testing). The University’s reputation for intellectual integrity and moral leadership is one of the strongest motivators for many UCEF donors. Many donors have also been inspired by the university’s strong commitment to public service and civil society, and the strong performance of UCU students in business, applied sciences, journalism, history, law, sociology and feminist studies. . In June, UCU completed the construction of its second residential building – Collegium 2. Its administration hopes that this will attract even more students from eastern and southern Ukraine.

Tax-deductible donations to support UCU can be directed to the Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation, 2247 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60622. Donations can also be made online at www.ucef.org.