Cystic Fibrosis Canada is a three-star charity. It has an A- results reporting grade, which is above average. For every dollar donated to the charity, 52 cents are available to go to the cause, which is outside Ci's reasonable range

Founded in 1960, Cystic Fibrosis Canada (CFC) aims to end cystic fibrosis by funding research for a cure and advocating for high-quality patient care. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that can cause severe damage to the lungs, digestive tract, and other organs. It involves uncontrolled mucus buildup in the body, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies, chronic infections, and death in most patients. Cystic Fibrosis Canada states that CF is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. It currently estimates that more than 4,332 Canadians live with CF. CFC’s main office is in Toronto.

Cystic Fibrosis Canada runs four main programs: Research, Healthcare, Education, and Advocacy. The charity spent $6.9 million on its programs and grants in F2023.

Research represented 46% of program spending in F2023. CFC’s research funding has resulted in many significant developments in CF research, including the discovery of the CF gene in 1989. The charity funded ten new research projects in F2023. CFC researched the impact of covid-19 on individuals with cystic fibrosis. 215 patients enrolled in 23 interventional clinical trials and 469 patients enrolled in three observational clinical trials.

Healthcare represented 27% of program costs in F2023. CFC funds a network of 42 CF clinics across Canada. The charity also runs a Healthcare Advisory Council that meets three times a year to provide guidance on issues that affect these clinics. In F2022 the charity brought together over 150 clinic staff to educate on best care practices.

Education programs were 16% of program costs in F2023. CFC maintains the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Registry, a collection of national CF patient data to measure trends in CF and improve understanding of CF among medical professionals. The charity provided grants to 40 sites to promote continuous education for staff.

Advocacy represented 10% of program costs in F2023. Cystic Fibrosis Canada runs provincial and national advocacy campaigns to raise awareness and increase support for CF patients. In F2023, the charity advocated for Trikafta, a life-saving cystic fibrosis medication, to be available for all Canadians aged six and above.

The remaining 1% of program spending was allocated to other costs.

Cystic Fibrosis Canada received $12.7m in donations in F2023. Administrative costs are 11% of revenue (excluding investment income), and fundraising costs are 36% of donations. This results in total overhead spending of 48%. For every dollar donated to the charity, 52 cents are available to go to the cause. This is outside Ci’s reasonable range.

The charity has $13.9m in reserve funds, which can cover 202%, or two years of its annual program costs.

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

Updated on August 10, 2023 by Liam Chapleau.