Note: Deferred adjustment: ALS Canada uses deferred accounting. To show donors information on a consistent basis, Ci adjusted for these deferred revenues. This affected revenue by ($643k) in 2024, ($51k) in 2023, and ($633k) in 2022. Unrealized gain (loss): Ci included unrealized gain (loss) on investments reported below the line. This affected revenue by $368k in 2024, $72k in 2023, and ($1.3m) in 2022. Lotteries: Ci reported lottery revenue net of expenses. This affected revenues and expenses by ($28k) in 2024, ($24k) in 2023, and ($31k) in 2022. Change in grants payable: Ci adjusted for change in grants payable. This affected expenses by ($170k) in 2024, $110k in 2023, and $389k in 2022. Amortization: Ci removed amortization on a pro rata basis from program, administrative, and fundraising costs in 2024, 2023, and 2022. Donated equipment: Ci removed donated equipment from donations and reported it as goods in kind. Funds received from provincial societies: Ci removed funds received from provincial societies from donations and reported it as other revenue.

This comment was submitted by the charity on August 1, 2025. Charity Intelligence has a difference of opinion regarding accountability to donors. 

The ALS Society of Canada works to change what it means to live with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, an unrelenting and currently terminal disease.

Grounded in and informed by the Canadian ALS community, we respond to the urgent unmet need for life-changing treatments by investing in high-quality research that will fuel scientific discovery and by engaging industry, supporting increased clinical capacity, and advocating for equitable, affordable, and timely access to proven therapies.

Responding to the tremendous need for current and credible ALS knowledge, awareness, and education, we empower Canadians affected by ALS to navigate the current realities of ALS, be informed consumers of ALS information, and advocate effectively for change. In Ontario, we provide direct community services and critical equipment and mobility devices to help people navigate ALS.

Founded in 1977, ALS Canada is a registered charity whose work is powered by generous donors who share our vision of a world free of ALS.

ALS Canada has consistently transformed donor contributions into vital programs and services, research investments, advocacy work, and resources to help thousands of Canadians with ALS and their families live better today. Through an enduring relationship with Brain Canada, research investments are further leveraged to double the impact of donor dollars at ALS Canada.

ALS Canada continues to do this with the astute stewardship of donor dollars. The costs associated with our fundraising activities are strictly monitored and, year-over-year, result in our ability to provide continued support to people affected by ALS. ALS Canada has developed a fiscally responsible, diversified fundraising portfolio to mitigate the risk to revenue, to manage significant fluctuations, and to allow for ongoing growth. Our reporting policies are transparent and responsible, and adherent to all government and industry standards. Our audited financial statements are made available to all supporters and the public year after year.

ALS Canada is accredited by Imagine Canada, the gold standard in governance. We are a careful steward of every donor dollar, and donors should feel confident that their support impacts people living with ALS every day.

Further, Charity Intelligence’s report card style review oversimplifies a complex organization that looks to support people with a terminal disease. An example of this is asking us to set output goals for programs such as our ALS Canada Equipment Program. Asking us to increase the number of pieces of equipment we provide to clients year-to-year. This is not a number that can be measured and compared in this way as the equipment needs for each individual client are unique. Charity Intelligence is asking us to quantify an aspect of a person’s life with ALS in one box – this is not that simple. We serve people today in hopes of changing the future of a diagnosis where quality of life increases. Our investments are for a future that has a different reality for people diagnosed with this devastating disease.

Visit our website for more information on donating with confidence to ALS Canada.