The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative Receives 4-Star Charity Navigator Rating for Sixth Year in a Row

IAVI Ranks among Top One Percent of Charities Nationwide

NEW YORK, March 27, 2007 — For the sixth consecutive year, the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) has been awarded the highest rating of four stars by Charity Navigator, a leading independent charity evaluator. This rating, based upon IAVI’s strong commitment to programmatic work, places the organization among the top one percent of the 5,000 charities evaluated nationwide by Charity Navigator.

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

In a letter to IAVI, Charity Navigator President Trent Stamp states that the “International AIDS Vaccine Initiative outperforms most charities in America in its efforts to operate in the most fiscally responsible way possible. This ‘exceptional’ designation from Charity Navigator differentiates IAVI from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.”

“IAVI is honored to receive this award from Charity Navigator. In an industry that relies entirely on the generosity of its donors, IAVI is grateful for the recognition that we continue to effectively use our contributions to accelerate AIDS vaccine research and development. In 2006, IAVI dedicated nearly 90 percent of overall funding to its core initiatives,” said John McGoldrick, Senior Vice President, External Strategy Development.

Since its inception, IAVI has mobilized more than $660 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 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, Ireland, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the Basque Autonomous Government as well as the European Union; multilateral organizations such as The World Bank; corporate donors including BD (Becton, Dickinson & Co.), Continental Airlines, Google 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.