Ducks Unlimited Canada is a 4-star charity that is financially transparent. It has a results reporting grade of A-, which is above average. For every dollar donated to the charity, 76 cents are available to go to the cause. DUC has reserve funds to cover program costs for just under 1 year and eleven months.

Founded in 1938, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) conserves, restores, and manages wetlands to benefit North American waterfowl. The charity’s vision is clean water and healthy wetlands for all waterfowl, wildlife, and people. DUC states that over 70% of southern Canada’s wetlands have been lost. It also states that in Atlantic Canada, 65% of wetlands in coastal areas have been altered or destroyed.

In its annual report, DUC breaks down its program spending into five main areas, listed below. Charity Intelligence calculates that DUC spent $102.3m on its programs and grants in its fiscal year ending March 2024 (F2024).

Habitat Conservation (85% of program spending in F2024) and Revolving Land (5%) - Total (90%): DUC works to conserve wetlands, waterfowl, grasslands, wildlife, water, and Canada’s boreal forests. In F2024 the charity conserved 166,495 acres of land, including 46,769 acres restored. It also enhanced 405,400 acres in F2024, through work such as invasive species removal and winter wheat seeding. The charity plans to conserve 110,638 acres and enhance 385,175 acres in F2025.

Research (6% of program spending in F2024), Education (2%), and Government Relations (2%) - Total (10%): In F2024, DUC influenced 21.5 million acres of land through partnerships and advocacy work. This includes sustainable land-use actions and wetland policies. In F2025, DUC aims to influence 10.3 million acres of land. 19,750 students participated in its virtual conservation education programs in F2024. The charity also reports it involved over 7,300 students in activities like tree planting, nest box building, and more. DUC reports it released its 800th scientific publication since founding in F2024.

Ducks Unlimited Canada’s audited financial statements follow activity-based costing, a best practice. Its expenses are clearly defined between program, administrative, and fundraising categories.

In F2024 DUC received $22.7m in Canadian donations and $52.0m in international donations. It also received $34.0m in government funding, which is 22% of total revenue. The charity received $20.8m in fees for service, which is 14% of total revenue.

Administrative costs are 7% of revenues (excluding investment income). Fundraising costs are 17% of donations. This results in total overhead spending of 24%. For every dollar donated, 76 cents are available to go to the cause. This falls within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending.

In F2024 DUC spent $102.3m on its programs and grants, which is 67% of its revenue. In F2024 it had a surplus of $34.4m, which is 23% of its revenue.

DUC has $211.3m in gross reserve funds (cash and investments) and $15.4m in interest-bearing debts. This results in net reserve funds of $195.9m. The net reserves can cover 191%, or just under one year and eleven months of program costs.

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

Updated on August 1, 2025, by Grady Simpson.