Alzheimer Society of Toronto is a 3-star charity with best practice in financial transparency and average accountability to donors as seen in the B results reporting grade. For every dollar donated to this charity, 60 cents go to the cause. This is outside Ci's reasonable range for overhead spending.

Founded in 1984, Alzheimer Society of Toronto (AST) is one of Alzheimer Society of Ontario’s member chapters. AST’s mission is to alleviate personal and social consequences of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and to promote research. To achieve this mission, AST offers support, information and education to people with dementia as well as families and caregivers; increases public awareness of dementia; promotes research; and advocates for services that respect the dignity of people with dementia. 

Dementia is the umbrella term for a group of chronic diseases affecting the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. 564,000 Canadians are currently living with dementia and this number is expected to grow by 66% in the next 15 years. The charity estimates a total cost of $10.4 billion a year to care for those with dementia in Canada. 

Alzheimer Society of Toronto offers many resources to people with dementia. In F2021, AST hosted 403 organized activities that saw 3,964 participants across Ontario. AST's Music Project delivers musical performances to people living with dementia. In F2021, this program reached 1,000 people across 20 regions in Ontario. 

In F2021, AST hosted an online gala with 14 other local societies across Ontario. The charity states that this event brings together leaders, celebrities and philanthropists to raise awareness and support for people living with dementia. This event saw 1,600 guests. 

AST's Young Leaders Collective is a group of young individuals united with a common goal of improving the lives of those affected by dementia through advocacy and community engagement. In F2021, 10 members and 14 ambassadors took part in this program.

In F2021, AST developed four provincial-wide projects with a focus on delivering dementia-focused training and education to care partners, allied health workers, registered health practitioners and police services. The care partners team completed five pilot programs and 93 registered health practitioners completed the physician education program.

In F2021, Alzheimer Society of Toronto reported total donations and special events fundraising of $3.0m. Administrative costs are 8% of revenues (excluding investment income), and fundraising costs are 32% of donations and special events (excluding amounts received from Alzheimer Society of Ontario). For every dollar donated, 60 cents go towards the charity’s programs and grants, which is outside of Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending.

Alzheimer Society of Toronto’s funding reserves of $3.9m can cover 95% or 11 months of annual programs costs and grants. 

This charity report is an update that was sent to Alzheimer Society of Toronto for review. Comments and edits may be forthcoming. 

Updated on July 5, 2022 by Angelina Curwin.