Ducks Unlimited Canada is a 4-star charity with an above-average results reporting grade. The charity has reasonable overhead costs and is financially transparent. 

Founded in 1938, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) works to “conserve, restore, and manage wetlands and other habitats for North America’s waterfowl.” DUC says that wetlands are one of the most important ecosystems on the planet, but up to 70 percent of wetlands have been lost in settled areas of Canada. Ducks Unlimited Canada is affiliated with the US-based Ducks Unlimited and the two charities collaborate on some projects. In Canada, DUC states that it has influenced 228.2 million acres of land, conserved and restored 6.2 million acres and completed 12,329 habitat conservation projects since 1938. Its head office is in Winnipeg, MB.

Ducks Unlimited Canada’s spending on programs includes habitat conservation and revolving land; and research, education and government relations.

Habitat Conservation and Revolving Land – 92% of total program spending: DUC’s habitat conservation projects include work with wetlands, grasslands, water, waterfowl, wildlife, and Canada’s Boreal in all provinces across the country. In F2022, DUC conserved 109,062 acres of land, including 40,837 acres restored. It also influenced 33.7 million acres of land through partnership and policy. In F2023, the charity aims to conserve 145,346 acres of land and influence 4.1 million acres across the country.

Research, Education, and Government Relations – 8% of total program spending: Along with its conservation work, DUC also approaches the problem of the ecosystem through science, education, and policy. Its research projects focus on habitats that support waterfowl populations and how those lands affect other wildlife and improve human lives. Since 1938, it has led or participated in more than 300 studies throughout North America, generating nearly 750 scientific publications. For Education, in F2022, DUC launched two new Wetland Centres of Excellence, teaching students conservation knowledge like planting native species, testing water quality, and exploring wildlife. For Advocacy, the charity has a long history of influencing large-scale conservation programs in Canada.

In F2022, Ducks Unlimited Canada received $16.4m in donations. Administrative costs are 7% of revenues (excluding investment income), and fundraising costs are 20% of donations. This results in overhead spending of 27%. For every dollar donated, 73 cents go to the cause. This is within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending.

Ducks Unlimited has $198m in reserve funds, once the $11k loan is accounted for. The charity can cover 243% or over two years and five months of its annual program costs with its reserves.

This charity report is an update that has been sent to Ducks Unlimited Canada for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Profile updated on June 20, 2023 by Krystie Nguyen.