Wycliffe Bible Translators of Canada is a 4-star charity that is financially transparent. It has a B- results reporting grade which is below average. For every dollar donated to the charity, 75 cents go to the cause. This is within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending.

Founded in 1968, Wycliffe Bible Translators of Canada (Wycliffe) translates the Bible into other languages. It currently runs 20 projects across Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Africa. Its mission is to end Bible poverty by translating God's Word for minority language communities worldwide. The four pillars that guide Wycliffe are bible translation, engagement with scripture, capacity building, and literacy.

Wycliffe Bible Translators of Canada reports that one in five people globally lack access to the entire Bible in a language they fully understand. Out of the world's 7,388 languages, only 10% have the complete Bible translated, 37% have some portions translated, and 54% do not have a single verse available in their language. Wycliffe partners with local translators, churches, and missionaries to translate the Bible into local languages. It also trains staff and local translators to run literacy and education programs in the communities they serve.

In F2023, Wycliffe Bible Translators of Canada spent $14.3m on its programs. 82% was for field programs, 10% for training, 4% for communication, 3% on public relations, and 1% for innovation. In 2023, Wycliffe ran 268 language groups (vs. 289 in 2022) in 43 countries, which reached 422m people (vs. 428m in 2022).

The Cree Initiative trains First Nations people in Canada to translate the Bible into their languages, focusing on three Cree language groups in Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. They have completed audio recordings of all 150 Psalms in Naskapi for radio broadcast and held a Bible-based trauma healing program in December 2023, training eight women as apprentice facilitators.

Wycliffe's AIDIA project in southern Peru aims to translate the entire Bible into Eastern Apurímac Quechua. In fall 2023, the AIDIA Pastaza team trained Sunday school teachers, enabling them to teach approximately 130 children using discipleship materials. In South Pastaza, a Sunday school has started in the lead pastor's house, where 12 to 15 local children gather weekly for Bible lessons.

Kinsha focuses on Bible translation in a challenging Southeast Asian region, impacting 3.5 million people across three countries where Christianity faces opposition. Wycliffe Canada supports translation in two of Kinsha’s 15 languages, partnering with local groups and churches. They have conducted 14 Strengthening Christian Families (SCF) teacher training workshops with over 550 attendees and organized 18 SCF events involving about 950 participants from diverse communities.

Wycliffe Bible Translators of Canada received $15.2m in Canadian donations in F2023. It also received $3.7m in international funding and $5k in Canadian government funding. Wycliffe Canada spent $14.3m on its programs and grants in F2023, which is 74% of total revenues.

Administrative costs are 15% of revenues (less investment income) and fundraising costs are 10% of donations. This results in total overhead spending of 25%. For every dollar donated to the charity, 75 cents are available to go to the cause. This is within Ci’s reasonable range of 65 to 95 cents for overhead spending.

Wycliffe Bible Translators of Canada had a surplus of $623k, which is 3% of total revenues. Wycliffe’s net funding reserves of $5.7m can cover annual program costs and grants to other Canadian charities at current levels for almost 5 months.  

This report is an update that has been sent to Wycliffe Bible Translators of Canada for review. Comments and edits may be forthcoming.  

Updated on June 26, 2024 by Alexia Tudose.