Founded in 1979, Schizophrenia Society of Ontario (SSO) works to make a positive difference in the lives of people, families and communities affected by schizophrenia and psychotic illnesses. Its ultimate vision is a society in which schizophrenia is recognized as a serious brain disease and excellence in service and treatment are the norm. Further, the society aims to end the stigma against schizophrenia and ultimately, find a cure.

To achieve this vision, SSO funds research, operates a range of support, education and awareness programs, and seeks to mobilize youth to take a greater role in understanding schizophrenia and championing SSO's cause. Since 1993, SSO has funded 20 research projects and contributed $20m to research on schizophrenia and psychotic illnesses. In F2016, 18% of program spending was allocated to research. Programs include initiatives that connect those living with mental illnesses with mental health professionals, professional training in cognitive behavioural therapy, support groups, and other educational initiatives.  

Sound Off is a program run by youth for youth. It aims to break the silence surrounding mental health by starting conversations about improving Ontario’s responsiveness to youth and mental health issues. In F2016, 1800 surveys were distributed, of which 1593 were collected and used for analysis. The survey asked students for their input on the role of schools, media and communities on mental health education and advocacy. The resulting recommendations included improvements in the availability of mental health resources for post-secondary students, an increase in media responsibility, and increased mental health education for those involved in law enforcement.

Schizophrenia Society of Ontario is a medium-sized charity with $1.2m in donations and special events fundraising in F2016. Government funding accounted for an additional $558k in revenues. Administrative costs were 25% of revenues and fundraising costs were 36% of donations. As such, for every $1 donated, 39 cents went to the cause. This falls below what Charity Intelligence considers a reasonable range for overhead spending.

Funding reserves of $487k can cover 4 months of program costs. Funding reserves have been steadily decreasing from $1.1m in F2014 to $658k in F2015 and $487k in F2016. Since F2014, Schizophrenia Society of Ontario has been operating at a negative cash flow ranging from ($341k) to ($590k) each year.

This charity report is an update that is currently being reviewed by Schizophrenia Society of Ontario. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on June 19, 2017 by Juliana Badovinac.