Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada - Quebec Division is a 2-star charity. It is financially transparent but has a below-average results reporting grade and overhead spending outside of Ci’s reasonable range.

Founded in 1948, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada - Quebec Division (MS Society Quebec) aims to improve patients’ quality of life and find a cure for multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. MS can cause vision problems, mobility issues, pain, and fatigue. There is currently no known cure. MS Society Quebec funds client services, public advocacy, and research to help people with MS.

Client services and chapter support - 48% of total program spending: MS Society Quebec offers client services through its 18 local chapters across the province. These programs ensure that people affected by MS have access to information, support groups, training sessions, referrals, and consultation services. The charity also runs an MS Knowledge Network in three regions to provide easily accessible information for those with MS.

Research - 33% of total program spending: MS Society Quebec provides research grants towards multiple sclerosis research. It provides operating grants to scientists working in universities and healthcare institutions and funding to doctoral and postdoctoral researchers. In F2022, the charity funded $1.2m to research. It also stated that 33% of the funds that MS Society of Canada devotes to research are invested in Quebec.

Education and Advocacy - 20% of total program spending: MS Society Quebec advocates for people affected by multiple sclerosis. It aims to improve laws, government policies, and workplace practices to help reduce barriers for people living with MS. In F2022, the charity ran eight free webinars covering many topics about living with MS. During the same year, it also conducted 14 meetings with members of Parliament in an effort to improve the life quality of people living with MS.

In F2022, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (Quebec Division) received donations and special events revenue of $4.7m. MS Society Quebec receives a substantial amount of its revenue from community fundraising and partnership events and campaigns. At $2.9m, its special events fundraising made up 45% of total revenues. The charity also received government funding of $1.6m, representing 24% of revenues.

Administrative costs are 9% of revenues (less investment income), and fundraising costs are 40% of donations and special events revenue. This results in total overhead spending of 48%. For every dollar donated to the charity, 52 cents go to the cause, which is outside of Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending. Due to high fundraising costs, MS Society Quebec has been outside of this range since Ci’s first analysis in 2013.

MS Society Quebec has $4.5m in reserve funds. The charity can cover 124% or 14 months of its annual program and grant costs with its reserves.

This charity report is an update that has been sent to Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (Quebec Division) for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on July 27, 2023 by Krystie Nguyen.