CUPS Calgary is a 5-star charity that is financially transparent with Average demonstrated impact. It has an A+ results reporting grade which is above average. For every dollar donated to the charity, 83 cents are available to go to the cause. This is within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending.

Founded in 1989, CUPS Calgary Society (CUPS) supports Calgarians affected by poverty, trauma and systemic marginalization. The charity helps individuals and families overcome barriers and build a brighter future.  As of 2023, Calgary is the second most expensive city in Canada, with a 7% unemployment rate and a 10% poverty rate. CUPS shares its 2024-2028 Strategic Plan to strengthen its services, partnerships, and impact in supporting Calgary's most vulnerable population. The services CUPS provides focus on three key areas: Housing & Economic Support, Health, and Family & Child Development. In F2023, the charity reports helping 6,003 individuals through its programs.

A Charity Intelligence 2024 Top 100 Rated Charity.

The Housing and Economic Support Program accounted for 45% of program spending in F2024. Individuals often lose housing as a result of job loss, unaffordable rent, or substance use. In F2024, the Client Navigation and Care Coordination programs provided 2,917 hours of support, helping Calgarians address immediate needs and connect with additional services. CUPS reported that 165 households received financial assistance, and 441 individuals received basic needs assistance in F2024. In 2023, CUPS Calgary Society launched Homes 4 Health, a program that offers independent housing and intensive support for those with physical, substance use, and mental health needs. Other programs focused on housing and financial stability include Key Case Management, Community Development, and the Graduated Rent Subsidy Program (GRSP).

Primary Care & Health Services Programs accounted for 44% of program spending in F2024. CUPS notes that individuals with low socio-economic status are twice as likely to face serious illnesses or premature death. The CUPS Health Clinic provides essential medical care to low-income Calgarians who lack a regular family doctor. The Primary Health clinic served 5,055 unique individuals and delivered 53,080 points of service in F2024. Services include check-ups, health screenings, medical treatments and referrals. In F2024, CUPS’ Mental Health Clinic served 342 unique clients, offering addiction counselling, psychiatric assessments, and other support. Other health programs include Opioid Agonist Treatment, Street Outreach Addictions Team, Prenatal & Family Care, Diabetes Group, Liver Clinic and Specialist Care.

The Family & Child Development Program accounted for 11% of program spending in F2024. CUPS reports that 11% of Calgary's children live in low-income households, and poverty-related stress impacts their ability to learn. In F2024, CUPS redesigned the Family and Child Development Centre (FCDC) to provide evidence-based and two-generational focused support to kids and families. CUPS has expanded the Centre’s age range from 0-6 years to 0-12 years. In F2024, 251 individuals engaged with the FCDC home outreach services, access to healthcare professionals, and more.

In F2024, CUPS Calgary Society received $11.0m in donations and special events revenue. The charity received $7.3m in government funding, representing 39% of total revenue. In F2024, CUPS spent $14.1m on its programs, which is 75% of total revenue.

Administrative costs are 15% of revenues (less investment income) and fundraising costs are 3% of donations and special events. This results in total overhead spending of 17%. For every dollar donated to the charity, 83 cents are available to go to the cause. This is within Ci’s reasonable range of 65 to 95 cents.

In F2024, CUPS recorded a surplus of $1.6m, which is 9% of revenues. CUPS sold $2.6m worth of capital assets and purchased $167k in capital assets. This was related to the redesigning of the Child Development Centre building.

CUPS has $8.8m in reserve funds. These are the charity’s cash and investments. In these reserve funds, $1.0m are endowed by donors. Excluding donor-endowed funds, CUPS can cover almost 7 months of annual program costs with its current reserves.

At the time of this profile update, the charity’s F2024 T3010 is not publicly available. Hence, the most recent staff compensation information is from F2023.

This charity report is an update that has been sent to CUPS Calgary Society for review. Comments and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on August 26, 2024 by Alexia Tudose.