The Coast Guard Foundation received a four-star rating by Charity Navigator, the country’s premiere watch-dog group for assessing the effectiveness of non-profit organizations. Fewer than 1,500 of the 1.6 million American charities receive this designation. What makes the rating unique is that, unlike other awards, charities cannot apply for it. Charity Navigator reviews the financial statements and tax filings of non-profits, determining those that have the lowest overhead and return the highest percentage of gifts to program beneficiaries. As a result, Charity Navigator’s four-star rating is the most objective — and coveted.