Easter Seals Alberta is a 3-star rated charity with a below-average results reporting score. It is financially transparent and has overhead costs within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending.

Founded in 1951, Easter Seals Alberta (ESA) aims to increase independence and provide recreation opportunities for people with disabilities and medical conditions. ESA is one of ten provincial arms of Easter Seals Canada. The charity operates four main programs: Camp Horizon, McQueen Home, accessibility support services, and virtual programs.

In F2022, ESA allocated 47% of program spending to Camp Horizon. Camp Horizon provides people with disabilities and medical concerns with outdoor camp experiences. In F2022, the camp reopened after being closed during the pandemic and welcomed 407 campers. The charity provided 27,728 hours of programming through its camp.

Easter Seals Alberta's residential home, McQueen Home, received 34% of program funding in F2022. Nine adults with disabilities live at McQueen Home, Edmonton. Residents have the opportunity to participate in their community and engage with each other. The house is always staffed with healthcare attendants and nurses. In F2022, McQueen Home expanded its team by bringing on a Registered Nurse.

In F2022, Easter Seals Alberta allocated 16% of program spending to accessibility support services. ESA supports people with disabilities and medical conditions in financial need by providing equipment. The charity may fund the entire cost of the equipment, pay a portion of equipment costs, or loan the equipment to clients. In F2022, the charity provided 74 pieces of equipment and $33,500 in scholarships to 94 clients.

Easter Seal Alberta’s virtual programs received 1% of program funding in F2022. The charity’s Adventure Camp at Home offers traditional camp activities virtually. In F2022, Adventure Camp at Home hosted 397 online sessions for 1,784 participants. Christmas Camp hosts holiday-themed activities during December. In F2022, 124 Christmas Camp online sessions were hosted for 30 participants.

The remaining program spending was allocated to two programs: Outreach (1%) and Public Education (1%).

In F2022, Easter Seals Alberta received $1.5m in donations. The charity also received $1.2m in government funding, representing 38% of total revenue, and $611k in fees for services, representing 19% of total revenue.

Administrative costs are 10% of revenues (less investment income), and fundraising costs are 20% of donations. This results in total overhead spending of 30%. For every dollar donated, 70 cents go to the cause, which is within Ci's reasonable range for overhead spending.

ESA has reserve funds of $2.6m, of which $105k is donor endowed. Excluding donor-endowed funds, the charity could cover a year of annual program costs with its reserve funds.

This charity report is an update that has been sent to Easter Seals Alberta for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on June 30, 2023 by Kiara Andrade.