Human Concern International is a 4-star charity. The charity has a B+ Results Reporting grade, which is above average. For every dollar donated to the charity, 73 cents are available to go to the cause, which is within Ci's reasonable range.

Founded in 1979, Human Concern International (HCI) runs programs to end global poverty and save lives. HCI runs nine programs. The largest are Emergency Relief, Zakat, Clean Water and Sanitation (WASH), and Child Sponsorship. The charity runs its projects in countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Canada. Human Concern International is the oldest Muslim charity in Canada. HCI follows a community needs-based approach in its activities. It completes needs assessments on the communities it plans to work in, and then partners with local organizations, institutes, and governments to deliver programs. While some of Human Concern International’s 2025 and 2024 Impact reports are available, its 2024 annual report was not available at the time of this update. While financial information refers to 2024, program information refers to 2023. In 2024, Human Concern International spent $42.1m on its programs.

To note: July 14, 2021, Human Concern International's ability to issue tax receipts was suspended by the Charities Directorate for illegal third-party receipting of $304k between 2011 and 2013. HCI has released a statement about it here. The CRA lifted the suspension in July 2022.

Emergency Relief represented 56% of program spending in 2023. HCI provides emergency aid to countries affected by disasters. The charity distributes food, winter relief kits, temporary shelters, heating supplies, clothing, hygiene kits, medical supplies, and medical aid. In 2023, HCI reached 13 countries through 40 projects. The charity reached 163,029 people through its Emergency Relief program. In 2023, the charity developed a Syria Village, comprising 300 homes, a school mosque, a clinic, and shops. The charity constructed 40 homes in a Pakistani village.

Zakat received 14% of program spending in 2023. Zakat is the third pillar of Islam and is the Arabic word for “giving to charity”. In 2023, HCI’s Zakat program focused on food aid, access to education, access to healthcare, and access to clean water.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) represented 9% of program spending in 2023. HCI reaches remote communities to increase access to clean water. HCI ran WASH programs in ten countries. In 2023, the charity built 201 water wells in Afghanistan, 122 in Bangladesh, 156 in India, 25 in Kenya, and 54 in Somalia. The charity also built 50 toilets in Bangladesh and 20 toilets in Somalia. In 2023 HCI reached 307,708 people through its WASH program.

Child Sponsorship represented 8% of program spending in 2023. HCI’s Child Sponsorship program provides children with education, healthcare, food, water, and clothing. HCI ran its sponsorship program in 13 countries. In 2023, the charity reached 2,664 children and 7,975 family members.

Other programs represented the remaining 13% of program costs. Other programs include WASH, Education, Sadaqh, and Food Aid. 

Human Concern International's audited financial statements use activity-based costing, which is a best practice; however, the statements do not disclose international donations. Ci used its T3010 filing with the CRA to report international donations. 

Human Concern International received $36.4m in Canadian donations and $13.9m in international donations in 2024. The charity spent $42.1m on its programs, which is 83% of revenue. 

HCI spent $8.1m on fundraising, which is 22% of donations, and $2.5m on administration, which is 5% of revenue (excluding investment income). Total overhead spending is 27%. For every dollar donated, 73 cents are available to go to the cause, which is within Ci's reasonable range. The charity's audited statements note that administrative expenses are allocated equally across program, administrative, and fundraising costs. Overhead spending might be understated. 

HCI has $20.7m in reserve funds (cash and investments), which can cover under 6 months of its annual program costs. This is within Ci's reasonable range. 

HCI uses external fundraisers. In 2024, it paid fundraisers $1.6m to collect $34.4m. It cost 5 cents to raise a dollar through external fundraisers. 

The charity's accounts payable increased by $6.3m (from $6.0m to $12.3m) from 2023 to 2024. 

This charity report is an update that has been sent to Human Concern International for review. 

Update on July 22, 2025 by Liam Chapleau.