Canadian Down Syndrome Society is a 1-star charity with a below-average results reporting score. The charity is not financially transparent and has overhead costs outside of Ci's reasonable range.

Founded in 1987, Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS) works to empower Canadians with Down syndrome and their families. CDSS reports that approximately 45,000 Canadians are living with Down syndrome, and one in 781 live births results in a Down syndrome determination. The charity's work primarily involves public education and advocacy.

In F2022, Canadian Down Syndrome Society launched its Love Means photo essay campaign on World Down Syndrome Day. The campaign aimed to educate people about love, relationships, and emotions experienced by people with Down syndrome.

During Canadian Down Syndrome Week in F2022, the charity launched Inployable, the world's first employment space for people with Down syndrome, on LinkedIn. Over 700 people connected to this space in F2022. In F2022, the charity also released its new Mental Health and Wellness Hub and reported that it was accessed by 312 people across Canada.

In F2022, Canadian Down Syndrome Society published four issues of its 3.21 Magazine to raise awareness of Down syndrome. The magazine is designed for and about the Down syndrome community in Canada and was read by over 6,000 people each quarter. The charity also published numerous resources and publications on its website that were accessed by 14,700 people in F2022.

The data used above reflects CDSS' most recent 2022 Impact Report, while the analysis below reflects F2021 financial information. 

Canadian Down Syndrome Society is not financially transparent. Its audited financial statements are not posted on its website nor provided when requested. Charity Intelligence's financial review uses the F2021 audited financial statements. This is the most recent information we have received from the Charities Directorate from our request for information. Charity Intelligence reports external fundraiser and salary information from the charity’s F2022 T3010 filings with the CRA.

Canadian Down Syndrome Society received donations of $1.4m in F2021. Administrative costs are 10% of revenues (less investment income) and fundraising costs are 30% of donations. This results in total overhead spending of 40%. For every dollar donated, 60 cents go to the cause. This is outside of Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending and has been for the past four years.

CDSS has reserve funds of $789k, of which $64k is donor-endowed funds externally held at the Calgary Foundation. Excluding donor-endowed funds, the charity could cover a little over a year and one month of annual program costs with existing reserves.

In F2022, Canadian Down Syndrome Society paid external fundraisers $206k. These external fundraisers raised $584k in donations. This means it costs Canadian Down Syndrome Society $0.35 to raise $1 using external fundraisers.  

This charity profile is an update that has been sent to CDSS for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on July 24, 2023 by Kiara Andrade.