ORLANDO — The Florida Bar Foundation rates among the best run charities in the nation, according to Charity Navigator, the leading independent evaluator of U.S. nonprofits.

The Foundation, the only statewide organization that funds civil legal services for the poor, received a four-star rating, the highest possible, for the 2010 fiscal year. It has received the top rating for four of the past five years. More than 90 cents of every dollar spent by the Foundation go directly to programs that carry out the organization’s mission.

“It is always good to have the Foundation’s excellent stewardship validated by an organization like Charity Navigator,” said Florida Bar Foundation President Michele Kane Cummings. “Our solid governance structure, strong leadership and highly professional staff together constitute a great formula for efficiency and accountability.”

Charity Navigator issues ratings from zero to four stars for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

“Receiving four out of a possible four stars indicates that your organization adheres to good governance and other best practices that minimize the chance of unethical activities and consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way,” said Charity Navigator President and CEO Ken Berger. “Approximately a quarter of the charities we evaluate have received our highest rating, indicating that The Florida Bar Foundation outperforms most other charities in America. This ‘exceptional’ designation from Charity Navigator differentiates The Florida Bar Foundation from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.”

If you would like to contribute directly to the success of The Florida Bar Foundation’s efforts, you can give online.

Learn more about the Foundation’s rating on Charity Navigator.