FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

(Washington, D.C.—February 8, 2007) Charity Navigator has announced that the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) recently received the watchdog group’s premier four-star rating for fiscal management. NIAF was the only national Italian organization to receive this coveted designation.

According to Charity Navigator Executive Director Trent Stamp, “Less than a quarter of the charities we evaluate have received our highest rating, indicating that the National Italian American Foundation outperforms the majority of non-profits in America with respect to fiscal responsibility. This ‘exceptional’ designation from Charity Navigator differentiates the National Italian American Foundation from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.”

NIAF Chairman Dr. A. Kenneth Ciongoli expressed the sentiments of the Foundation’s Board of Directors when he said, “We were delighted to receive from Charity Navigator the highest rating any non-profit organization can receive. This acknowledgement from America’s top evaluator of charities confirms our belief that NIAF serves the best interests of the Italian-American community by ensuring that our supporters’ donations directly benefit those in greatest need.”

Charity Navigator is considered the leading charity evaluator in America, evaluating 10 times more charities than any similar consumer services. NIAF encourages its supporters to visit www.charitynavigator.org and research the ratings of other charities to ensure they are operating in the most fiscally responsible manner.

NIAF has served the Italian-American community for the past 32 years. Its programs have helped young people through scholarships, mentoring, U.S./Italy exchange, internships, youth retreats, and much more. NIAF has played a pivotal role in preserving Italian culture in America and promoting the best of our heritage.

NIAF is a non-profit, non-partisan organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. Visit www.niaf.org.