Knowledge Network is a 2-star charity. It has a B+ results reporting grade, which is above average, and a Low impact rating based on demonstrated social impact per dollar spent. Overhead spending is within Ci’s reasonable range, and the charity has enough reserve funds to cover just over two years of its annual program costs.

Founded in 1981, Knowledge Network Corporation (Knowledge Network) is a public educational broadcaster in British Columbia. It operates a free and commercial-free television channel in B.C. and streaming services across Canada. Knowledge Network offers documentaries, drama, arts and culture, and children’s programs. The charity aims to create informed communities by providing trusted programming. Knowledge Network has two main programs: Programming and Presentation, and Broadcasting Platforms and Corporate IT.

In the fiscal year ending March 2023 (F2023), Knowledge Network spent $9.1m (78% of program spending) on Programming and Presentation. In F2023, Knowledge Network commissioned four documentary features. Three of these features were from Indigenous and racialized B.C. producers. Knowledge Network supported seven documentary projects through development. Six of these projects were from Indigenous and racialized B.C. producers. Over the next three years, Knowledge Network aims to commission 25% of original documentary features and shorts from B.C. independent Indigenous production companies and 50% from independent, Black and People of Colour-led production companies. In F2023, Knowledge Network produced a second series of Luna, Chip & Inkie: Adventure Rangers Go. This is Knowledge Network’s first in-house children’s program. It aims to teach kids creative problem-solving skills, resilience, and teamwork.

In F2023, Knowledge Network spent $2.5m (22% of program spending) on Broadcasting Platforms and Corporate IT. In F2023, 3,085,377 videos were streamed through knowledge.ca and apps. 7,149,627 videos were streamed through knowledgekids.ca and apps. In F2023, knowledge.ca had 286,858 subscribers. The charity reports that this included over 29,000 new subscribers in F2023.

In F2023, Knowledge Network spent $2.4m on Marketing and Development. Ci included $700k of Marketing and Development spending in program costs and $1.7m in fundraising costs to match the charity's T3010.

In F2023, Knowledge Network received $13.3m in donations. It also received $6.6m (34% of total revenue) in government funding. Administrative costs are 11% of total revenue (excluding investment income) and fundraising costs are 13% of donations. Overhead spending is 24%, which is within Ci’s reasonable range. For every dollar donated, 76 cents are available for the cause. In F2023, Knowledge Network spent $12.3m (64% of total revenue) on its programs.

In F2023, Knowledge Network had a surplus of $3.3m and spent $3.9m on capital expenditures, including acquisition of broadcast rights.

At the end of F2023, Knowledge Network had $25.2m in reserve funds (cash and investments). The charity does not break out externally restricted donor-endowed funds in its audited financial statements. Knowledge Network has enough reserve funds to cover 206% or just over two years of its annual program costs.

This charity profile is an update that was sent to Knowledge Network for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on August 20^th, 2024 by Thea Clark.