Bruce Museum Earns Top Rating for Nonprofit Financial Accountability

The Bruce Museum’s commitment to accountability and transparency and strong financial health have earned it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator.

“On behalf of Charity Navigator, I wish to congratulate Bruce Museum on attaining the 4-star rating, our highest possible rating and one given to only a quarter of charities rated by Charity Navigator,” says Michael Thatcher, President and CEO. “Based on its 4-star rating, people can trust that their donations are going to a financially responsible and ethical charity when they decide to support the Bruce Museum. “

Since 2002, using objective analysis, Charity Navigator has awarded only the most fiscally responsible organizations a 4-star rating. In 2011, Charity Navigator added 17 metrics, focused on governance and ethical practices as well as measures of openness, to its ratings methodology. These Accountability & Transparency metrics measure a charity against best industry practices and whether they are open with their donors and stakeholders. 

“It’s important our donors trust that we’re using their donations wisely to accomplish the Bruce Museum’s mission to promote the understanding and appreciation of art and science to enrich the lives of all people in our community," says Bill Ference, Bruce Museum Chief Financial Officer and recipient of the 2017 Fairfield CFO of the Year Award from Westfair Communications. “Our 4-star Charity Navigator rating demonstrates to our supporters our good governance and financial accountability. And it represents our ongoing commitment to operating at the highest standards.”

The Museum building and its collections are resources owned by the Town of Greenwich and held in trust for the people of the Town by a separate, privately funded 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Bruce Museum, Inc.

As a privately funded nonprofit organization, the Bruce relies on its members and supporters of its benefit events to meet the costs of creating exhibitions and providing educational programs for all ages throughout the year. Committees of Honor, composed of Museum leaders and supporters from across the community, are pivotal in championing and helping fund the Museum’s most significant exhibitions. The Museum also deeply appreciates the generosity of its corporate partners, which provide essential resources that directly support the Museum's operating budget, exhibitions, education programs, and special events.

The Museum receives further vital support from individual contributors to its Annual Fund. Tax-deductible gifts to the Bruce Museum’s Annual Fund help provide:

•          Essential funding for over a dozen art and science exhibitions each year;
•          Environmental education at the Seaside Center for nearly 15,000 children and families;
•          Over 300 programs to 6,500 participants from Greenwich-based schools and organizations;
•          Art and science programs for over 5,000 low-income and at-risk students;
•          Thought-leaders in art and science who provide over 150 programs annually;
•          Museum education in the classroom through Brucemobile outreach to over 10,000 children.

To make a gift securely online, visit brucemuseum.org, or call Victoria Jahns at 203-413-6763. More information about the Bruce Museum’s rating and charitable giving may be found on  www.charitynavigator.org.