Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic is a 4-star charity with a Fair demonstrated impact. The charity has a B+ Results Reporting grade, which is above average. Its overhead spending is 30%, within Ci’s reasonable range. Its reserve funds can cover nine months of annual program costs.  

Founded in 1985, Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic (BSCC) supports women who have experienced violence. The clinic was established in honor of Barbra Teena Schlifer, a young lawyer who was assaulted and murdered on the day she was called to the bar of Ontario. BSCC offers legal representation, counseling, and interpretation services to clients. It works to change the conditions that threaten women’s safety, dignity, and equality. In F2024, the charity reported that it served 16,524 unique clients.  

Special Projects received 32% of program spending, centred around raising awareness and informing the public about gender-based violence and other important issues. In F2024, the charity reported that Special Projects served 1,629 unique clients, with 201 service partners. Its projects include #AndMeToo, which aims to increase justice for women and gender-diverse people who experienced violence by providing legal advice and referrals to legal services. The charity launched its Risk Identification and Safety Assessment (RISA) tool for service providers in F2023. It serves as a resource for frontline service providers in supporting survivors of gender-based violence. It also has the Criminalization of Women project, which addresses the disproportionate number of women and gender-diverse people who face criminal charges after reporting violence against them.  

Interpretation received 25% of program spending, working with Interpreter Services Toronto. The clinic provides free interpretation services to women in counselling sessions and legal proceedings in over 170 languages. In F2024, BSCC reported that 217 service providers requested an interpreter for their clients. The charity reports that it served 7,768 unique clients. Interpreter Services Toronto also operates as a social enterprise in the GTA.  

Counseling received 22% of program spending. It offers individual and group counseling sessions to women who have experienced abuse and violence. The clinic supports women who decide to remain in their current relationship or helps them find housing if they choose to leave. In F2024, the charity reported that it helped 2,392 unique clients.  

Legal received 20% of program spending, providing free legal services to victims of violence and abuse. In F2024, BSCC reported that 2,379 women received legal services related to family law, criminal law, immigration and refugee law, and family court support. 

Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic’s audited financial statements use line-item costing, which is not a best practice.  

In F2024, BSCC reported $1.4m in donations and special events revenue. The clinic received $3.7m in government funding in F2024.  

Administrative costs were 12% of revenue (less investment income). Fundraising costs were 18% of donations. For every dollar donated, 70 cents are available to go to the cause. This is within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending. 

BSCC has $3.3m in reserve funds, which can cover 76% or 9 months of annual program costs.  

Profile updated by Leah Holmes on July 30, 2025. This charity report is an update that has been sent to the charity for review. Comments and corrections may be forthcoming.