Calgary Stampede Foundation is a 2-star charity that is financially transparent. It has very low overhead spending which is outside Ci's reasonable range and high funding reserves that can cover six years and seven months of program costs.

Founded in 1994, Calgary Stampede Foundation (CSF) runs education and performing arts programs for youth in Alberta. The charity supports musical groups such as the Calgary Stampede Showband. It also provides a variety of scholarships to youth. The charity runs six major programs: Calgary Stampede Showband; Sam’s Centre; Young Canadians School of Performing Arts; 4-H; Stampede School; and Grants and Scholarships. CSF reports it spent $4.2m on its programs and grants in 2023. The most recent annual report available on the charity’s website at the time of this update is from 2022.

The Calgary Stampede Showband received 30% of program spending. The Showband consists of youth aged 16 to 21 from Calgary and the surrounding area. CSF reports the Showband performs 142 times annually. In 2022 its 141 members received 720 instructional hours.

Sam’s Centre received 30% of program spending. Sam’s Centre shares the story of the Calgary Stampede. It contains exhibits, a digital experience, and an artifact collection space. Sam’s Centre opened in May 2024.

Young Canadians School of Performing Arts received 16% of program spending. The school trains youth in dance, voice, and performance arts. In 2022 it had 372 rehearsals, 560 instructional hours, and 96 members.

4-H programs received 9% of program spending. CSF brings together members from 28 Calgary-area 4-H clubs. In 2022 it ran a series of clinics for 75 youth members.

Stampede School received 7% of program spending. Stampede School teaches students from grades 1-12 in Stampede Park. In 2022 the program held 550 school hours for 554 students.

Grants and Scholarships received 6% of program spending. The charity supports four scholarship funds. It also runs a poster competition that gives $20k in scholarships to eight winners.

The remaining 3% of program spending went to the OH Ranch Education Program and Indigenous Youth Programming.

In 2023 Calgary Stampede Foundation received $15.4m in donations. The charity received $3.9m in government funding, representing 17% of total revenues.

Administrative costs are 2% of revenues (excluding investment income). Fundraising costs are 3% of donations excluding donations from related parties. This results in total overhead spending of 4%. For every dollar donated, 96 cents are available to go to the cause. This falls outside Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending.

In 2023 CSF spent $4.2m on its programs and grants, which is 18% of its revenue. In 2023 it had a surplus of $17.9m and spent $23.4m on capital expenditures.

Calgary Stampede Foundation has $29.2m in reserve funds (cash and investments). Excluding $2.1m in donor-endowed funds, the net funding reserves can cover 662%, or six years and seven months of program costs. CSF has total investments of $12.4m. 55% is in equities, 42% in bonds, and 4% in cash and cash equivalents. In 2023, the annual return on investment for CSF was 24%. Its three-year annual return on investment is 7%.

In 2023, CSF received $3.6m from the Calgary Stampede for its programs. Accounts payable to Calgary Stampede are $2.9m and non-interest bearing. CSF and the Calgary Stampede jointly control ENMAX Park. CSF has a 42% interest in ENMAX Park. In 2019, Calgary Stampede and CSF entered into a five-year sponsorship agreement. In 2023, Calgary Stampede gave CSF $165k under this agreement. Calgary Stampede acts as CSF’s development manager. Project costs incurred by Calgary Stampede are reimbursed by CSF. This includes costs associated with Sam’s Centre.

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

Updated on August 22, 2024, by Grady Simpson.