Evergreen is a 4-star rated charity. It has an above-average results reporting score, reasonable overhead costs, and is financially transparent.

Founded in 1991, Evergreen is an urban environmental charity that aims to create green community spaces in cities. The charity's work addresses climate change, housing affordability, and access to nature. Evergreen states that over 82% of Canadians lives in cities, and it hopes to improve conditions for these people.  

Evergreen works in two areas: Evergreen Brick Works programs and National programs.  

In F2022, 62% of program spending ($10.3m) went to Evergreen Brick Works programs. In 2010, the charity opened Evergreen Brick Works, Canada’s first large-scale community environmental centre. Located in Toronto, the centre offers events about how to live and work sustainably. Evergreen Brick Works also hosts seasonal and cultural events, such as a Day of the Dead festival. In F2022, Evergreen hosted nine programs and events at Brick Works. It saw a total of 120,754 visitors during the year, with over 100,000 people attending Saturday Farmers Markets. Evergreen Brick Works also has a regenerative landscape that encourages biodiversity and sustainability. In F2022, volunteers planted 25 new species of wildflowers at Brick Works.  

In F2022, National programs received 38% of program spending ($6.2m). Evergreen runs various programs across Canada to promote healthy and dynamic urban spaces. The charity's Community Solutions Network connects people and provides tools for creating climate-friendly cities. In F2022, 147 communities were a part of this network and a total of 263 resources were downloaded. Evergreen also runs programming for youth to include them in environmental work. In F2022, 39 students joined the charity’s Future City Builders program to create projects that address environmental issues. During the year, nine solutions were piloted by the Future City Builders program.

Evergreen’s audited financial statements do not break out government funding and investment income from donations and fees for service. Ci reported revenues from the charity’s T3010 filings with the CRA.  

Evergreen reported donations of $5.2m in F2022. It received $6.1m in government funding, representing 28% of total revenues. Administrative costs are 11% of revenues (less investment income) and fundraising costs are 16% of donations. This results in total overhead spending of 28%. For every dollar donated to the charity, 72 cents go to the cause. This falls within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending. 

Evergreen has reserve funds of $6.4m, resulting in a program cost coverage ratio of 39%. This means that the charity can cover program costs at the F2022 level for almost five months.  

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

Updated on August 19, 2023 by Clive Stevens.