Founded in 1948, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada Quebec Division (MS Society Quebec) aims “to be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis and enabling people affected by multiple sclerosis to enhance their quality of life.” The charity notes that in Quebec alone, there are approximately 20,000 people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). MS can cause vision problems, walking difficulties, pain and fatigue. To date, there is no known cure. MS Society Quebec supports research, advocacy and provides services in support of people suffering from MS.

The MS Society Quebec Division offers programs and services (49% of program spending in F2017) through its 18 local chapters in communities across Quebec. This provides people who are affected by MS to have access to support groups, information tools, training sessions, referrals, physical activity, social programs and telephone consultation services. In F2017, two summer camps were held for kids who have a parent with MS.

The charity’s research program (30% of program spending in F2017) funded 31 Québec-based research studies in F2016 (not reported in F2017). It provides operating grants to scientists working in universities or health care institutions, and research grants to doctoral and postdoctoral researchers. As a whole, the MS Society of Canada reported that the majority of the charity’s F2017 grants (51%) went towards understanding triggers, progression and repair processes of MS.

The MS Society Quebec advocates (21% of program spending in F2017) for people who are affected by multiple sclerosis. It aims to improve laws, government policies and employers’ practices to help reduce barriers for people living with MS. In F2017, 4 other organizations joined MS Society Quebec in an annual visit to Quebec’s parliament. Together, the organizations presented possible solutions to improve the quality of life for people with a progressive neurological disease to about a dozen Members of the National Assembly in Quebec City.

Results and Impact: In F2017, the advocacy work done by the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (Quebec Division) contributed to Health Canada approving two new medications available for people with relapsing-remitting MS. The total number of drugs now available in Canada is 15.

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (Quebec Division) is a Large charity with donations and special events revenues of $6.6m in F2017. A large portion of its revenues is generated through community-based fundraising events, dinners, golf tournaments and third-party events. Its special events fundraising was 68% of revenues, at $5.2m in F2017. Administrative costs are 6% of revenues and its fundraising costs are 45% of donations. Per dollar donated to the charity, $0.49 goes towards its programs and research grants, which falls outside of Charity Intelligence’s reasonable range for overhead spending. Research grants account for only 16% of the charity’s total revenue.

The MS Society Quebec has funding reserves of $2.4m, which includes $19k in donor-endowed funds. Excluding donor-endowed funds, the charity can cover less than 7 months of annual program and granting costs, indicating a need for donations.

This charity report is an update that has been sent to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada’s Quebec Division for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on July 24, 2018 by Derek Houlberg.