FORT COLLINS - The United Way of Larimer County has earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, a nationwide charity evaluator.

Four-star ratings are given to those charities that practice "exceptional governance, fiscal responsibility, accountability and transparency in fulfilling their mission," according to a United Way release.

About 25 percent of charities evaluated nationwide earn a perfect rating, according to Charity Navigator.

Charity Navigator's mission is to help charitable givers make intelligent decisions by providing information on more than 5,000 charities nationwide and evaluating their financial health. Each charity's score is based upon several broad criteria.

"Donors are demanding more accountability from the charities they choose to support with their hard-earned dollars," said Gordon Thibedeau, president and CEO of United Way of Larimer County. "Our donors are instrumental to our work and we appreciate the trust they put in United Way."