3rd Party Certification from Charity Navigator and Why it Matters

At Putnam Service Dogs, we understand how donors and volunteers want to make a real difference. Supporting organizations that are committed to transparency and impact fosters trust, ensuring every dollar and every hour you give is used effectively.

One way to confirm your contributions have maximum impact is by supporting nonprofits with 3rd party certifications, like those from Charity Navigator and Candid (formerly Guidestar). These certifications validate that your support goes directly toward meaningful change. With our trusted certifications, you can be confident that your generosity helps transform lives through the work we do at Putnam Service Dogs.

The Role of 3rd Party Certification for Nonprofit Organizations

Certifications are important for nonprofit organizations because they demonstrate quality, accountability, and transparency, ultimately improving the delivery of the services being provided. Each 3rd party has an extensive list of qualifications and requirements an organization needs to meet in order to earn certification. These certifications also benefit donors and volunteers, ensuring their resources are used in a way that aligns with their goals and expectations. 

3rd Party Certifications Earned by Putnam Service Dogs

Since 2017, Putnam Service Dogs has championed our dogs and their people. We lift up their lives, helping them live to the fullest. Throughout the years, we have earned 3rd party certifications from Charity Navigator, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Candid Platinum Transparency. 

Charity Navigator 4-Star

Charity Navigator has two objectives when assigning a rating from one to four stars to charities:

1. Giving the donors the information they need to make well-informed choices and,
2. Celebrating the impact of the nonprofits and charities. 

In 2024, Putnam Service Dogs earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, which means our organization meets or exceeds the industry standards and best practices across all areas.

Charity Navigator rated our organization based on four beacons: Impact and Measurement, Accountability and Finance, Culture and Community, and Leadership and Adaptability. Our four-star rating makes us a highly effective charitable organization. 

BBB

The BBB offers 3rd party certification in the form of accreditation. It measures organizations based on 20 different Standards of Charity Accountability — a quite lengthy checklist and rigorous process. These include the following:

• Board Oversight
• Board Size
• Board Meetings
• Board Compensation
• Conflict of Interest
• Effectiveness Policies
• Effectiveness Reports
• Program Expenses
• Fundraising Expenses
• Accumulating Funds
• Audit Report
• Detailed Expense Breakdowns
• Accurate Expense Reporting
• Budget Plan
• Accurate Materials
• Annual Reports
• Website Disclosures
• Donor Privacy
• Cause Marketing Disclosures
• Complaints
  

Putnam Service Dogs is BBB accredited, which means we have met the guidelines for all 20 Standards of Charity Accountability. 

Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency

Candid’s Foundation Center and GuideStar have provided the world with the information they need to make informed choices for a combined 88 years, and they are passionate about helping people take on the challenges society faces. Through careful research and a passion for doing good, Candid finds out where nonprofits get their money – and where it ultimately goes.

The Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency is awarded to nonprofit organizations who go above and beyond industry standards for transparency. It is Candid’s highest-level seal, and it requires us to provide vital information about our organization, our financials, and how we keep our donors’ and volunteers’ data safe. We also provide insights into our nonprofit’s impact on the community, our mission, and our successes. 

Benefits of Donating and Volunteering with Nonprofits with 3rd Party Certification 

Donating to charities and nonprofits supports causes that are important to you and those around you, but it is important to understand how your money will be used. Donating can help you stay informed about the causes you are passionate about, and it can give you an opportunity to promote those passions to others, encouraging them to follow in your footsteps. 

Help Us Champion Dogs and People by Donating or Volunteering with Putnam Service Dogs

When you choose to volunteer or donate to Putnam Service Dogs, you are directly helping us place more dogs with the people who need them most, changing both of their lives for the better. Consider volunteering by opening your home to help transform special puppies into service dogs for people with disabilities other than blindness, or learn more about making a one-time or monthly donation to an impactful cause. 

Nancy Teague

Nancy Teague, the founder of Putnam Service Dogs, is a dedicated advocate who embodies the mission of the organization every single day. Alongside the passionate individuals who have joined the cause, she works tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of both people and dogs. With an unwavering commitment to championing service dogs, Nancy understands the transformative power that occurs when a service dog is matched with its recipient, forging a remarkable team.