Top Tier Transparency: Danforth Center Achieves Highest Ranking Possible on GuideStar

We are proud to announce that for the second year in a row, the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, owner of the leading charity rating website GuideStar.org. 

Out of nearly 1.8 million nonprofits listed on Candid’s website, fewer than one percent (0.75% to be exact) have reached the platinum level. To achieve this designation, the Danforth Center entered extensive data and metrics about its programs and operations—and has committed to making annual updates.

This achievement is a prestigious indicator of our stewardship efforts and reflects our dedication to the people who make our progress possible.

“Donors are absolutely essential to our work as a nonprofit,” says Vice President of Development, Tom Bander. “Thanks to our supporters, people here at the Center and across our region are enabled to dream big, innovate, and continue striving toward a better world and a better future.”

Philanthropy literally means “love of humanity” in its Greek roots, and it’s a large part of what powers the Danforth Center. Our supporters are much more than just the people who show up to our events—they are critical partners in all that we do. They are the investors who propel our research. They are ambassadors for our mission in the community. And their trust is integral to our success. Therefore, we recognize the importance of making sure all who choose to help improve the human condition through plant science feel secure in their giving. And we hold integrity and stewardship as two of our six core values.

"Stewardship,” as defined in our values, represents our acknowledgment that the Danforth Center is entrusted with public, private, and donor resources to deliver on our mission. Consequently, we must hold ourselves accountable to the highest standard for intentional, efficient, and effective use of these resources.