IAVI Receives 4-Star Charity Navigator Rating

IAVI Ranks among Top One Percent of Charities Nationwide

NEW YORK, October 29, 2008 – For the seventh consecutive year, the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) has received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent evaluator of charities.  This rating indicates that IAVI, the world’s only nonprofit organization dedicated solely to AIDS vaccine development, in comparison to other charities in America, excels in successfully managing the finances of its organization efficiently and effectively. That is to say, the vast majority of IAVI’s funding is dedicated to ensuring the accelerated development of a safe and effective preventive AIDS vaccine.

John McGoldrick, IAVI Senior Vice President, External Strategy Development said, “IAVI is grateful for all of the support we receive from our donors. And this ranking is an acknowledgement that we continue to do everything possible to invest their funds both responsibly and aggressively in the pursuit of a preventive AIDS vaccine.”

Founded in 2001, Charity Navigator works to guide intelligent giving and support to advance a more responsive philanthropic marketplace.  Charity Navigator’s ratings are based on a rigorous assessment of how efficiently charities use their support today and how these organizations grow their services over time.  Specifically, the ratings are based on four performance categories, which include an evaluation of program, administration and fundraising expenses, as well as overall fundraising efficiency.

To date, IAVI has mobilized $750 million in funding for AIDS research and development and translated innovative technologies into six vaccine candidates that have entered human trials in 11 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and North America.  In addition, IAVI has brought together leading international HIV researchers to form three scientific consortia dedicated to tackling major obstacles in AIDS vaccine development.  Together with partners, IAVI also analyzes and promotes improved public policies which could help to accelerate vaccine research and development and ensure rapid global access to a future vaccine.

About IAVI

The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) is a global not-for-profit organization whose mission is to ensure the development of safe, effective, accessible, preventive HIV vaccines for use throughout the world. Founded in 1996 and operational in 24 countries, IAVI and its network of collaborators research and develop vaccine candidates. IAVI’s financial and in-kind supporters include the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, The John D. Evans Foundation, The New York Community Trust, the James B. Pendleton Charitable Trust, The Rockefeller Foundation, The Starr Foundation, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation; the Governments of Canada, Denmark, India, Ireland, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the Basque Autonomous Government, the European Union as well as The City of New York, Economic Development Corporation; multilateral organizations such as The World Bank; corporate donors including BD (Becton, Dickinson & Co.), Bristol-Myers Squibb, Continental Airlines, Google Inc., Henry Schein, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc. and Pfizer Inc; leading AIDS charities such as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Until There’s A Cure Foundation; other private donors such as The Haas Trusts; and many generous individuals from around the world. For more information, see www.iavi.org