Nature Canada is a 4-star charity that has best practices in financial transparency. It has a B results reporting grade which is average. For every dollar donated to the charity, 72 cents are available to go to the cause. This is within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending.

Founded in 1939, Nature Canada protects and conserves Canada’s natural heritage through advocacy, education and action to benefit both wildlife and humans. The charity states that there are more than 600 species at risk in Canada as of 2019, mainly due to habitat loss. It also reports that currently less than 15% of our land, fresh water, and oceans are protected.

Nature Canada shares its 2021-2025 Strategic Plan on its website. It focuses on connecting people with nature, defending ecosystems, and restoring damaged habitats. As well as advocating for inclusive conservation and strong environmental policies.

Nature Canada runs Conservation Programs and Education & Communication Programs. The charity does not give a spending breakdown by program.

Conservation Programs include Nature Canada’s Defend Nature and Restore Nature initiatives, Its goal is to protect 25% of Canada’s land, fresh water, and ocean by 2025, and 30% by 2030 (Canada’s 30x30 pledge). This year, the charity launched a campaign to educate and gain support from municipalities. In F2023, Nature Canada received 64 signatures for a declaration supporting a National Marine Conservation Area in the Great Lakes. Nature Canada also released its Lost in the Woods report, urging stronger protection for forests.

Education and Communication Programs include Nature Canada’s Discover Nature and Enjoy Nature initiatives. Its Bird-Friendly certification recognizes cities that protect birds. In F2023, ten new cities were certified, bringing the total to 20. In F2023, Nature Canada reports engaging with 39,000 youth, 825  community groups and organizing 482 public events. Its Young Nature Leaders Grant awards $1,000 to young Canadians for their sustainability projects. As of F2023, there have been 36 recipients.

Nature Canada received $3.0m in Canadian donations and special events fundraising in F2023. It also received $550k in international donations. The charity received $1.3m in federal government funding, which is 29% of total revenue. Nature Canada spent $4.4m on its program and grants in F2023, which is 97% of revenues.

Administrative costs are 7% of revenues (less investment income) and fundraising costs are 21% are donations and special events. This results in total overhead spending in 28%. For every dollar donated, 72 cents are available to go to the cause. This is within Ci’s reasonable range of 65 to 95 cents for overhead spending.

Nature Canada has reserve funds of $4.9m, including an endowment of $143k. It is unclear whether the endowment is donor endowed. The charity can cover a year and 2 months of its program costs with its existing reserves. Nature Canada has a deficit of ($813k) in F2023, and no capital expenditures.

According to its filing with the Charities Directorate, Nature Canada used external fundraisers in F2023. The charity paid external fundraisers $4k and these external fundraisers raised $27k in donations. This means it costs Nature Canada $0.14 to raise $1 using external fundraisers.

In addition to its salaries, Nature Canada paid $775k in professional and consulting fees in F2023 ($1.3m in F2022 and $739k in F2021).

Charity Intelligence has sent this update to Nature Canada for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming. 

Updated on June 21, 2024 by Alexia Tudose.