(Orangeburg, SC) — The South Carolina State University (SCSU) Foundation has received a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest and most trusted evaluator of nonprofit organizations. This rating—the highest possible—recognizes the Foundation’s exceptional commitment to financial health, accountability, and transparency in advancing its mission to support students, faculty, and the broader university community.
Charity Navigator evaluates more than 200,000 nonprofit organizations across the United States. Only a select group earns the coveted Four-Star distinction, signifying that the SCSU Foundation “exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in its field.”
“This Four-Star rating is a powerful affirmation of the South Carolina State University Foundation’s integrity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the students and institution we serve,” said Stephen Beatty, Chair of the SCSU Foundation Board of Directors. “It reflects not only the diligence and professionalism of our Foundation team, but also the trust and generosity of our alumni, donors, and university partners who make our work possible. Together, we are demonstrating what it means to steward resources with excellence and to invest in futures with purpose.”
The Foundation’s initiatives have expanded scholarship opportunities, enhanced student housing through the Railroad Crossing Student Housing Initiative and strengthened donor engagement through events such as the Annual Gala. The Foundation’s Four-Star rating underscores its continued progress toward operational excellence and mission-driven impact.
“The SCSU Foundation is committed to sustaining and elevating the university’s mission,” said Lorne Steadly,Executive Director, South Carolina State University Foundation. “This distinction from Charity Navigator reaffirms that our Foundation is operating at the highest levels of transparency and effectiveness in support of our students.”
The Charity Navigator Four-Star rating is based on a comprehensive assessment of nonprofit performance, including governance, financial management, and measurable impact. Receiving this top rating demonstrates the Foundation’s commitment to being a responsible steward of donor contributions while ensuring that funds directly support the university’s priorities and student success.
For more information about the South Carolina State University Foundation and its impact, visit scstategives.org
