Founded in 1941, Scott Mission is a Christian charity that works to support the poor people in downtown Toronto. Scott Mission reports that someone may become homeless due to childhood trauma, lack of education, substance abuse issues, physical or mental conditions, or a criminal record. The charity works to ensure that people’s basic requirements for food, shelter, and hygiene are being fulfilled while also taking care of their spiritual and social needs.

In F2018, Scott Mission allocated 42% of program spending to programs for people who are homeless or elderly. More than 92,000 hot lunches were served, representing approximately 300 meals per day based on operations six days per week year-round. Worship services and Bible studies are also offered six days per week. Homeless men can stay overnight and access showers, referral for rehab, budgeting and tax assistance, interpretation, and public transport to medical appointments. During the year, the charity coordinates day trips in Toronto or longer stays at its lodge in Collingwood, Ontario.  

Services that helped women and families received 31% of program spending in F2018. Clients may be temporarily experiencing poverty or new to Canada and having difficulties adjusting. In F2018, poor families accessed 29,000 bags of groceries along with free, gently-used clothing. Around Christmas, 1,900 toys were gifted to children, 2,600 gift cards or grocery baskets were provided to families, and 411 new winter coats were given to children.  

In F2018, children and youth programs received 21% of program spending. More than 190 children attended after-school programs and 550 stayed at Scott Mission’s summer camp in Caledon, Ontario. Childcare is offered at a Scott Mission location which is further from downtown than the charity’s main building.

The remaining 6% of program spending was allocated to organizing volunteers and increasing public awareness of the issues faced by people who are poor.

In November 2017, Scott Mission began the process of redesigning its property at 502/508 Spadina Avenue. The construction project is estimated to cost $20m and set to be completed in April 2024.

Scott Mission is a large charity with donations of $11.1m in F2018. It received in-kind donations valued at $4.8m, representing 23% of total revenues. Administrative costs are 6% of revenues less investment income, and fundraising costs are 14% of donations. For every dollar donated, 80 cents go to the cause which is within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending. Scott Mission has $26.6m in funding reserves which could cover program costs for 1.8 years.

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

Updated on May 27, 2019 by Madison Kerr.