National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Canada is a zero-star charity. It has an F in results reporting, meaning it publicly reports very little information on its $6m programs. The charity has $83m in funding reserves that can cover over 16 years of programs. Before you give, read Charity Intelligence’s report.

Founded in 1948, National Spiritual Assembly of Baha’is of Canada (National Spiritual Assembly, NSA) is the country’s governing body of the Baha’i faith. There are over 35,000 people of the Baha’i faith in Canada. National Spiritual Assembly strives to advance the spiritual, social, and material conditions of humanity. NSA is headquartered in Thornhill, Ontario and collaborates with other agencies to run programs to advance the teachings of the Baha’i faith. The charity also does humanitarian work to help transform society for the better.

Natural Spiritual Assembly spends 82% on Canadian programs and 18% on international programs. National Spiritual Assembly’s international spending in F2021 includes $95k for ongoing maintenance of the Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. NSA also runs a deputization program where Canadian Baha’i volunteers relocate (within Canada or another country) to teach the Baha’i faith and help develop the Baha’i community within the area. The charity has a Continental Fund that supports activities associated with protecting and spreading the Baha’i faith. These activities include protection measures, teaching and deepening programs, and consultation with Assemblies.

National Spiritual Assembly of Baha’is of Canada received $24.6m in donations in F2021. Administrative costs are 6% of total revenue (excluding investment income) and fundraising costs are 0% of donations. Per dollar donated to the charity, 94 cents go to the cause. This is inside Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending.

National Spiritual Assembly holds $83.2m in funding reserves, which can cover 16.6 years of program costs.

Baha'i Foundation Canada is a related party by virtue of having the same Board of Directors as NSA. The Foundation provides scholarships, bursaries and other financial assistance for post-secondary education and training and supports programs that promote the Baha'i faith. Ci did not consolidate the two charities in its analysis because it did not have the Foundation's audited financial statements at the time this profile was created.  

The Association for Baha’is Studies is also a related party by virtue of having the same Board of Directors as NSA. The Association promotes study of Baha’is Faith through books, conferences, and education events. NSA earned $14k in rental income from the Association, reported in business activities.

This charity report is an update that was sent for review to National Spiritual Assembly of Baha’is of Canada. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on May 25, 2022 by Emma Saganowich.