MS Society is a 3-star charity with a below-average results reporting grade. It is financially transparent but has persistently high fundraising costs leading to overhead spending outside of Charity Intelligence's reasonable range. 

Founded in 1948, the mission of Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (MS Society) is to connect and empower the MS community to create positive change. MS is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that can cause symptoms such as fatigue, lack of coordination, weakness, vision problems, and cognitive impairment. There is currently no cure for MS. The charity reports that Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world, with an estimated 90,000 Canadians living with the disease. MS Society of Canada has seven regional divisions across Canada, with a head office in Toronto. The charity runs four programs: Research; Public Education and Awareness; Client Programs and Services; and Government and Community Relations.

MS Society's 2022 Impact Report was not yet available at the time of this report. Ci used the 2021 Impact Report for the results reporting update. 

Research – 43% of program spending ($8.4m): In 2021, the charity reported giving ten research grants to advance treatment and care ($1.6m), two to enhance patients’ well-being ($44k), four to prevent MS ($275k), and 29 to understand and halt disease progression ($721k). 

Public Education and Awareness – 27% of program spending ($5.2m): MS Society of Canada provides information about multiple sclerosis through the MS Knowledge Network program. Support is provided through phone, email, and live chat.

Client Programs and Services – 22% of total program spending ($4.3m): A total of 20,079 people were supported in 2021 through services and resources. The MS Society of Canada runs a 1:1 Peer Support Program for its clients. This is a telephone and internet-based program that aims to reduce the social isolation and loneliness of people with MS.

Government and Community Relations – 8% of program spending ($1.6m): The charity advocates to help reduce barriers for people living with multiple sclerosis. It advocates for changes in four areas: employment security, income security, improved accessibility, and accelerating research. In 2021, 27,887 letters were sent by 10,049 supporters in the lead-up to the federal election to inform candidates about the issues and concerns of Canadians living with MS.

This financial analysis reflects the consolidated financial position of Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada and Multiple Sclerosis Scientific Research Foundation. After its year-end, on January 1, 2023, MS Society and its foundation amalgamated. Charity Intelligence's analysis has always consolidated the two charities to provide donors with greater transparency. The charity will now be called MS Canada.

In F2022, MS Society received donations and special event revenues of $43.9m. The charity also received $1.5m in government funding, representing 3% of total revenues. Administrative costs are 14% of revenues (less investment income), and fundraising costs are 37% of donations. This results in total overhead spending of 50%. For every dollar donated, 50 cents go to the cause. This is outside of Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending. MS Society has been outside of this range since its first analysis in 2011.

MS Society has $47.4m in reserve funds, of which $216k is donor endowed. Excluding donor-endowed funds, the charity could cover 2.4 years of its annual granting and program costs with its reserves. 

This charity report is an update that has been sent to MS Society for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming. 

Updated on July 7, 2023 by Krystie Nguyen.

Tel: 1800-268-7582