Note: DEFERRED REVENUE: The charity uses deferred accounting. To show donors this information on a consistent basis, Ci adjusted for deferred revenues. This affected revenues by $51k in F2023, ($633k) in F2022, and $29k in F2021. LOTTERIES: Ci reported lottery revenue on a net basis, removing open ticket expenses from revenue. This affected revenue and expenses by ($24k) in 2023, ($31k) in F2022, and ($16k) in F2021. UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS: Ci included unrealized gain (loss) on investment in revenue, affecting revenues by $72k in F2023, ($1.3m) in F2022, and ($427k) in F2021. GOODS IN KIND: Ci removed donated goods in kind from donations, affecting donation revenue by ($199k) in F2023, ($255k) in F2022, and ($185k) in F2021. AMORTIZATION: Ci removed amortization from program, administrative, and fundraising costs on a pro-rata basis. Ci included deferred lease inducements ($11k) in amortization in F2023.

This comment was submitted by the charity on August 13, 2024. Charity Intelligence has a difference of opinion regarding accountability to donors. 

The ALS Society of Canada works to change what it means to live with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, an unrelenting and currently terminal disease.

Grounded in and informed by the Canadian ALS community, we respond to the urgent unmet need for life-changing treatments by investing in high-quality research that will fuel scientific discovery and by engaging industry, supporting increased clinical capacity, and advocating for equitable, affordable, and timely access to proven therapies.

Responding to the tremendous need for current and credible ALS knowledge, awareness, and education, we empower Canadians affected by ALS to navigate the current realities of ALS, be informed consumers of ALS information, and advocate effectively for change. In Ontario, we provide direct community services and critical equipment and mobility devices to help people navigate ALS.

Founded in 1977, ALS Canada is a registered charity that receives no government funding – our work is powered by generous donors who share our vision of a world free of ALS.

ALS Canada has consistently transformed donor contributions into vital programs and services, research investments, advocacy work, and resources to help thousands of Canadians with ALS and their families live better today. Through an enduring relationship with Brain Canada, research investments are further leveraged to double the impact of donor dollars at ALS Canada.

ALS Canada continues to do this with the astute stewardship of donor dollars. The costs associated with our fundraising activities are strictly monitored and, year-over-year, result in our ability to provide continued support to people affected by ALS. ALS Canada has developed a fiscally responsible, diversified fundraising portfolio to mitigate the risk to revenue, to manage significant fluctuations, and to allow for ongoing growth. Our reporting policies are transparent and responsible, and adherent to all government and industry standards. Our audited financial statements are made available to all supporters and the public year after year. 

ALS Canada is accredited by Imagine Canada, the gold standard in governance. We are a careful steward of every donor dollar, and donors should feel confident that their support impacts people living with ALS every day.

Further, Charity Intelligence’s report card style review oversimplifies a complex organization that looks to support people with a terminal disease. An example of this is asking us to set output goals for programs such as our ALS Canada Equipment Program. Asking us to increase the number of pieces of equipment we provide to clients year-to-year. This is not a number that can be measured and compared in this way as the equipment needs for each individual client are unique. Charity Intelligence is asking us to quantify an aspect of a person’s life with ALS in one box – this is not that simple. We serve people today in hopes of changing the future of a diagnosis where quality of life increases. Our investments are for a future that has a different reality for people diagnosed with this devastating disease.

Visit our website for more information on donating with confidence to ALS Canada.