Ontario Nature is a 3-star charity with an average results reporting score. The charity has overhead costs within Ci's reasonable range and has reserve funds which could cover two years of annual program costs.

Founded in 1931, Ontario Nature (formally Federation of Ontario Naturalists) protects vital species and habitats through conservation, education, and advocacy. It works with over 150 member groups across Ontario, comprising over 30,000 members and supporters. Its head office is in Toronto.

In F2023, Ontario Nature spent 82% of program costs on conservation and education programs, 9% on public relations and communications, and 9% on publishing the ON Nature magazine. Within conservation and education, Ontario Nature runs six main programs. These include Community Science, Nature Guardians Youth Program, Endangered Species, Boreal, Greenway, and Nature Reserves. The charity does not provide a more detailed spending breakdown.

The charity’s Community Science program invites nature enthusiasts to help collect data for research studies. Its Nature Guardians Youth Program hosts events and offers volunteer opportunities for students interested in conservation. In F2023, 304 participants attended seven youth-run events and workshops. Ontario Nature’s Endangered Species program advocates for the protection of Ontario’s at-risk species. In F2023, the charity conducted 16 snake surveys in Norfolk County.

In addition, its Boreal and Greenway programs aim to conserve Ontario’s northern boreal forests and the Greater Golden Horseshoe region, respectively. Ontario Nature calls upon the government to create stronger environmental laws. In F2023, the charity collected over 14,000 signatures opposing Bill 23. In F2023, the charity also published its Beginners Guide on Measuring Carbon Stocks to Support Conservation. Ontario Nature also conserves land directly through its Nature Reserves program. It currently protects 26 nature reserves, covering 7,798 hectares.

Ontario Nature publishes its quarterly ON Nature magazine to highlight Ontario’s natural areas and raise awareness of environmental issues. In F2023, the ON Nature magazine reached over 33,500 readers.

Ontario Nature received donations of $1.9m in F2023. It also received $1.7m in government funding (44% of total revenues) and $207k in fees for ON Nature magazines (5% of total revenues).

Administrative costs are 9% of revenues (less investment income) and fundraising costs are 23% of donations. This results in total overhead spending of 32%. For every dollar donated to the charity, 68 cents go to the cause. This is within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending.

Ontario Nature has reserve funds of $5.9m. The charity can cover two years of annual program costs with its existing reserves.

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

Updated July 20, 2023 by Kiara Andrade.