War Child Canada is a 4-star charity that is financially transparent. It has been rated Average for demonstrated impact per dollar spent. The charity has a below-average results reporting score of B- and reasonable overhead spending of 19%.

Founded in 1999, War Child Canada (WCC) supports people affected by conflict, specifically women and children. Its mission is to prevent conflict in Africa and the Middle East by investing in local communities. WCC reports that 99% of its staff are hired locally. War Child International is a global network of three main charities: War Child Canada, War Child Holland, and War Child UK. The three charities share a common mission but were founded and operate independently. These charities all receive funding from affiliated War Child charities.

In F2023, War Child Canada spent $15.9m on programs in six countries: Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, and Yemen. It also spent $850k on program support from Canada. In F2023, WWC helped over 1.2 million people.

Uganda was 48% of total program spending ($7.6m): Uganda currently hosts more than 1.5 million refugees who have fled conflict in neighbouring countries. War Child supports refugee and resettlement communities with education opportunities for out-of-school children and youth. It also addresses high youth unemployment among refugees through business boot camps, enhanced support for youth business centers, and mentorship by local leaders. In F2023, War Child’s innovative Youth Social Impact Fund supported 1,500 adolescents to attend bootcamps.

Afghanistan was 21% of total program spending ($3.4m): War Child Canada works with its local partners to distribute food and essential supplies to families in need. WCC has expanded its programming to include health and nutrition services for women and girls, supported by the UN. It also empowers vulnerable women and girls through vocational training for income generation. In F2023, WCC set up Multipurpose Youth Centres, supporting 1,700 adolescents and youth with mental health and psychosocial counselling, life skills education, and vocational training.

South Sudan was 17% of total program spending ($2.7m): War Child focuses on education and agriculture, addressing farming challenges through improved practices and literacy training with the FEEDII project. It also provides training on gender-based violence and women’s rights, creating safe spaces for women and girls to participate in education and economic activities without fear. In F2023, WCC organized events where 3,000 community members engaged in conversations about women's rights.

Sudan was 5% of total program spending ($863km): War Child has been active in Sudan's West Darfur for 20 years but had to pause operations because of serious conflict and ethnic cleansing. It now focuses on helping over half a million Sudanese refugees and returnees in South Sudan, focusing on education, food security, and livelihoods.

Democratic Republic of the Congo was 5% of total program spending ($849k): War Child empowers local organizations to educate girls safely through radio dramas, overcoming barriers like dangerous journeys to school and the threat of militia violence and sexual violence as weapons of war.

The remaining 3% of WCC’s total program spending went to projects in Yemen ($444k).

War Child Canada had Canadian donations and special event revenues of $10.2m in F2023. The charity also received international donations of $4.5m and donated goods valued at $223k.

The charity received $3.7m in government funding representing 17% of total revenues.

Administrative costs are 3% of revenues (less investment income) and fundraising costs are 16% of donations and special events revenue. This results in total overhead spending of 19%, which is within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending. 

War Child Canada has $7.6m in reserve funds. These reserve funds are the charity’s cash and investments. The charity has almost 6 months of annual program costs covered by its current reserves.

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