Founded in 1981, Alzheimer Society of B.C. (AZBC) is one of Alzheimer Society of Canada's ten provincial member organizations. AZBC supports people living with or affected by Alzheimer's disease and other dementias by creating a more dementia-friendly society and by funding dementia research in British Columbia. Alzheimer Society of B.C. reports that over 500,000 Canadians are currently living with dementia, and by 2030, that number is projected to increase to 912,000. Alzheimer's disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that composes 60-80% of all dementia diagnoses.

Alzheimer Society of B.C. runs three main programs to work towards its vision of an Alzheimer and other dementia-free world; these programs include First Link (Dementia Helpline and Support); Advocacy and Awareness; and Research.

First Link (Dementia Helpline and Support): This program composed 61% of the charity’s program spending in F2020. Its goal is to connect people who are living with dementia and their families to support and educational services. In F2020, AZBC responded to 2,156 calls and made outgoing calls to 9,247 people affected by dementia (up 10% from F2019) through its First Link helpline. The charity also welcomed 1,800 people to 11 caregiver and early stage support groups in 52 communities, in F2020.

Advocacy and Awareness: This program was 24% of program spending in F2020. AZBC offers dementia-focused educational programs and advocates on behalf of those with dementia to ensure their needs are met and voices are heard. In F2020, the charity delivered 683 educational sessions to families in 93 communities.

Research: Research composed 15% of program spending in F2020. Alzheimer Society of B.C. reports focusing on research that explores radical new ways to advance our knowledge of dementia, and that can improve the quality of life for people affected by dementia. In F2020, AZBC highlighted directly investing almost $1.0 million in quality-of-life and biomedical research. The charity created one new cognitive health position at the University of Victoria and funded four research projects in BC.  

Alzheimer Society of B.C. received $9.1m in donations and special events revenue in F2020. AZBC also received $3.1m in government funding, representing 25% of total revenues. Administrative costs are 17% of revenues (excluding investment income), and fundraising costs are 20% of donations and special events. For every dollar donated, 64 cents go to the cause. This is outside of Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending.

The charity has $12.1m in funding reserves, $1.6m of which are donor-endowed funds (including $836k held at the Vancouver and Victoria Foundations). Excluding donor-endowed funds, funding reserves can cover annual program spending for 1.5 years. 

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

Updated on July 16, 2021 by Rachel Leteta.