War Child Canada is a 5-star charity with High demonstrated impact. It has an A- results reporting score, which is above average. Its overhead spending is within Ci’s reasonable range, and its reserve funds could cover annual program costs for just over nine months, also within Ci’s range.

A Charity Intelligence 2025 Top 100 Rated Charity.

Founded in 1999, War Child Canada (WCC) helps children and their families affected by conflict. The charity looks to promote peace by supporting local communities. WCC reports that it hires 99% of its staff 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.

War Child Canada operates in seven main countries, listed below. It spent $22.8m cash ($21.7m internationally and $1.1m in Canada) on its programs in 2025.

Uganda received 47% ($10.2m) of international program spending in 2025. The charity reports that Uganda is hosting large numbers of refugees, but funding has fallen because of global economic pressures, climate crises, donor fatigue, and reduced U.S. aid. In 2025, WCC successfully supported 14,225 young people in finding jobs. It also ran 34 accelerated learning centres, reaching 3,300 students. Meanwhile, its digital platforms served more than 9,000 students. WCC also provided training and resources to eight refugee-led organizations and two civil society organizations.

Afghanistan received 29% ($6.4m) of international program spending in 2025. WCC reports the country is facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to political instability, economic collapse, climate disasters, and conflict, leaving millions in need of assistance. In 2025, WCC's Education Technology (EdTech) project ran in 26 schools, distributing 200 tablets and 26 TV screens. It reached 9,640 children (51% boys and 49% girls), 189 of which had disabilities. WCC also opened eight Mother and Child Healthcare Centres in areas in need, which served 39,476 patients (72% female, 28% male) in 2025. Additionally, 46 Child-Friendly Spaces were established, giving 10,009 children access to developmental activities.

South Sudan received 18% ($4.0m) of international program spending in 2025. After the end of the civil war with Sudan in 2020, the charity reports instability worsened by refugee inflows and lack of funding. WCC’s Geared for Success program supported education access for displaced children in Uganda and South Sudan. In 2025, it reached 6,755 people (75% female) and introduced income-generating skills training in 17 schools.

The remaining 6% ($1.2m) of international program spending went to programs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Yemen, Sudan, and Iraq.

War Child Canada’s audited financial statements follow activity-based costing, a best practice. This means its expenses are clearly defined between program, administrative, and fundraising categories.

In 2025, WCC received $14.6m in Canadian donations (40% of total revenue) and $6.2m in international donations (17% of total revenue). It also received $4.5m in government funding, representing 12% of total revenue.

The charity spent $22.2m on its international programs (including donated goods used in programs) and $1.1m in Canada. This accounts for 63% of total revenue. In 2025, WCC ran a surplus of $11.6m (31% of total revenue).

Fundraising costs were $1.9m (13% of donations) and administrative costs were $221k (less than 1% of revenue excluding investment income). Total overhead was 13%, meaning that for every dollar donated, 87 cents are available to go to the cause. This is within Ci’s reasonable range.

At the end of 2025, WCC had $18.0m in reserve funds (cash and investments). These reserves could cover its annual program costs for just over nine months, which is within Ci’s reasonable range.

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

Updated on July 1, 2026, by Ava Anderson.