YWCA Calgary

About YWCA Calgary:

Founded in 1967, Young Women's Christian Association of Calgary (YWCA Calgary) is a volunteer and membership-based organization that is part of the global YWCA network. It aims to intervene, empower, and lead when and where women need them most. YWCA Calgary is a resource for women and their families and provides diverse programs and integrated services that foster economic independence, wellness, and equal opportunities. In F2015, 8,346 women and families participated in at least one of YWCA Calgary’s 18 programs.

YWCA Calgary’s Housing Program (making up 31% of spending) meets the basic shelter needs of vulnerable women and their children who face homelessness or family violence. In F2015, 1,348 women and 284 children stayed at least one night in its emergency shelter or transitional housing program. Also during the year, the emergency shelter saw the length of stay increase by 21% since F2014.

YWCA Calgary’s Counselling Services (making up 28% of spending) offers affordable group and individual counselling to help clients build healthy relationships, develop positive parenting skills, reduce stress and heal from trauma. In F2015, more than 2,200 women and families received counselling support.

YWCA Calgary’s Education and Employment program (making up 12% of spending) provides skills training for new Canadians and women struggling with employment challenges. It also provides parenting and child development support through life skills counselling and workshops. In F2015, 947 people participated in language programs and 625 people received employment support.

In F2012, YWCA Calgary reported that its employment and skills training centers had a social return on investment of $4.65 for every $1 invested. Also in F2012, YWCA Calgary reported that its community, parent and school support programs had a social return on investment of $5.37 for every $1 invested.

Financial Review:

Young Women's Christian Association of Calgary is a large charity, with donations of $6.2m in F2015. The charity received $8m in government funding in F2015, representing 49% of its total revenues. Its administrative costs were 4% of revenues and its fundraising costs were 12% of donations. For every $1 donated to the charity, 85 cents was put towards its programs, falling within Ci’s reasonable range. YWCA Calgary’s funding reserves of $3m includes $137k in donor-endowed funds. This results in a program cost coverage ratio of 20%, excluding donor-endowed funds. This means that the charity can fund 2.4 months of its annual programs using its current reserves.

In F2015, with total expenses of $15.7m and 8,346 women and families served, the average cost per beneficiary was $1,884.

This charity report is an update that is being reviewed by YWCA Calgary. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on May 27, 2016 by Lynn Tay.