Human Concern International is a 2-star charity. The charity has a A- Results Reporting grade, which is above average, and a Low demonstrated impact rating. For every dollar donated to the charity, 73 cents are available to go to the cause, which is within Ci's reasonable range. 

Founded in 1979, Human Concern International (HCI) runs programs to end global poverty and save lives. Human Concern International is the oldest Muslim charity in Canada. HCI runs six programs. The charity runs its projects in countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Canada. HCI follows a community needs-based approach in its activities. It completes needs assessments on the communities it plans to work in, and then partners with local organizations, institutes, and governments to deliver programs. The charity states that, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), nearly 300 million people worldwide required humanitarian assistance and protection in 2024.  

In 2024, Human Concern International spent $42.1m on its programs. The largest are Emergency Relief, the Local Program, Food & WASH and Education and Health.

Emergency Relief represented 46% of program spending in 2024. HCI provides immediate relief to communities affected by natural disasters, wars, and humanitarian crises. In 2024, the program reached 530,882 people through 27 projects across 9 countries including Palestine (Gaza), Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sudan, Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan. HCI provides emergency food packages, medical supplies and health services in crisis zones, winter relief, shelter support and water access in emergency contexts. 

The Local Program represented 21% of program spending in 2024. This is funding for programs in Canada to serve Canadians. In 2024, the local program served 27,287 Canadians, nearly quadrupling from 6,927 in 2023. Through 15 programs, HCI provided education access, food security, and health services to refugees, people with disabilities, seniors, and newcomers. The charity supported 11 food programs, assisted 437 Gaza evacuees, and distributed 1,000 winter kits, 260 jackets, and 600 meals through Share the Warmth. 

Food & WASH represented 14% of spending in 2024. HCI's Zero Hunger program addresses food insecurity through distribution initiatives. In 2024, the program reached 690,447 individuals across 16 countries through 34 projects, providing food packages, warm meals, bread, and specialized distributions during Ramadan and Eid al-Adha. HCI's Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program provides access to safe water and sanitation. In 2024, HCI implemented 10 WASH projects across 8 countries, building 294 wells, 2 large-scale well facilities, and rehabilitating 4 wells, reaching 111,334 people. 

Education and Health was 14% of program spending in 2024. HCI's Education program helps vulnerable groups including girls, children with disabilities, orphans, and refugees. In 2024, programs across 7 countries benefited 4,565 individuals through scholarships, infrastructure development, teacher training, and mobile education initiatives. HCI's Health program provides healthcare services and equipment in crisis settings, such as maternal care, primary healthcare, specialized surgeries, dialysis, and mental health support. In 2024, programs across 8 countries reached 44,826 people.  

Other programs represent 8% of spending. The Child Sponsorship Program (5%) sponsored 1,883 orphaned children across 9 countries with education, health, and basic needs. Seasonal Programs (3%) provide Ramadan food, Qurbani meat, school supplies, and winter relief to vulnerable populations in Canada and internationally.

Human Concern International’s audited financial statements use activity-based costing, which is a best practice. However, the statements do not disclose international donations or distinguish between international and Canadian program costs. Charity Intelligence therefore used the charity’s T3010 filing with the CRA to report these figures.

Human Concern International received $36.4m in Canadian donations and $13.9m in international donations in 2024. The charity spent $42.1m on its programs, which is 83% of revenue. 

HCI spent $8.1m on fundraising, which is 22% of donations, and $2.5m on administration, which is 5% of revenue (excluding investment income). Total overhead spending is 27%. For every dollar donated, 73 cents are available to go to the cause, which is within Ci's reasonable range. The charity's audited statements note that administrative expenses are allocated equally across program, administrative, and fundraising costs. Overhead spending might be understated. 

HCI has $20.7m in reserve funds (cash and investments), which can cover under 6 months of its annual program costs. This is within Ci's reasonable range. 

HCI uses external fundraisers. In 2024, it paid fundraisers $1.6m to collect $34.4m. It cost 5 cents to raise a dollar through external fundraisers. 

The charity's accounts payable increased by $6.3m (from $6.0m to $12.3m) from 2023 to 2024. 

This charity report is an update that has been sent to Human Concern International for review. 

Update on July 22, 2025 by Liam Chapleau and November 3, 2025 by Victoria Allder.