HOW DO YOU SPEND DONOR DOLLARS?
For every dollar raised, UNICEF Canada spends 75 cents (three-year average) on programs to help children around the world survive and realize their rights. In 2022, this amounted to $48,049,036. The impact of donor dollars is multiplied many times over through UNICEF’s unique ability to collaborate and scale up projects for even more children. Our cost of fundraising and administration is a three-year average of 25%, which meets Canada Revenue Agency guidelines for charities. Our best practices in transparency, accountability, ethical fundraising, staff management and governance have repeatedly earned us Imagine Canada’s Standards Accreditation.
DOES UNICEF RECEIVE FUNDING FROM THE UNITED NATIONS?
No. Although we are considered part of the UN family of organizations, we rely entirely on voluntary contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations – as well as grants from governments who trust UNICEF to create results and impact for children.
HOW DOES THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUPPORT UNICEF?
As a high-income nation, Canada contributes international development funding to UNICEF’s headquarters, supporting global priorities for children. In 2022, Canada was the third-highest government donor to UNICEF, behind the United States and Germany. Additionally, UNICEF Canada has fostered a positive advocacy relationship with Global Affairs Canada on international policy issues, earning the trust of Government stakeholders. As a result, the Government has previously granted funds directly to UNICEF Canada to support specific initiatives managed by our own programs staff (e.g., UNdaunted in Somalia, the Eliminate Project, and Saving Children’s Lives). UNICEF Canada did not receive any Government grants in 2022.
HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHERE FUNDS GO TO HELP CHILDREN?
Your donations support the most important needs of children around the world, for short-term and long-term impact. UNICEF bases its decision-making on extensive data and research, partnerships, and knowledge directly from the countries we work with. When donations are unrestricted, it enables us to lead new approaches, work innovatively across the entire span of childhood, and adapt to changing situations — particularly during emergencies. Find more on this at unicef.ca/WhereYourMoneyGoes.
WHAT IS UNICEF CANADA DOING TO BECOME A MORE ANTI-RACIST AND ANTI-DISCRIMINATION ORGANIZATION?
Diversity, equity and inclusion is one of three top priorities in our 2022-2025 Strategic Plan. We seek to become the organization of choice for all people in Canada who want to protect and promote child rights, and to increase our ability to engage and be an ally for diverse communities. You can learn more about this priority at unicef.ca/StrategicPlan.
WHAT DOES UNICEF DO TO HELP CHILDREN IN CANADA?
UNICEF is the world’s largest collector of data on every aspect of being a child. This helps us identify needs so we can advocate for the rights of every child, everywhere — including in Canada. We bring together young people from across Canada to advocate for policy changes and the involvement of youth in policy decisions that affect their well-being. Our Youth Advocacy Program is a 10-month online program designed for young people between the ages of 13-24, to help them learn the skills and knowledge needed to become powerful advocates and activists in Canada. In May 2022, we released a Canadian report on the impacts of environmental stressors on the well-being of children and youth, and how Canada ranks among 39 high-income nations. And our free, confidential polling platform U-Report enables anyone ages 13-24 to share their voice anonymously on issues that matter most to them.
HOW IS UNICEF DIFFERENT FROM OTHER HUMANITARIAN AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS FOCUSED ON CHILDREN?
UNICEF has presence in more than 190 countries and territories. We ensure that our innovative methods and programs are sustainable, by partnering with key actors at regional and community levels (including governments, communities and local partners) to expand impact. As part of the UN family, we have a unique influence with governments that helps to scale up and sustain successful initiatives over many years. UNICEF is the only organization named in the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child as the world’s source of expert assistance and advice.
HOW DOES UNICEF NAVIGATE WORKING IN VOLATILE REGIONS, TO ENSURE THAT FUNDING ARRIVES WHERE IT’S NEEDED?
UNICEF works in some of the world’s most difficult regions where there are many barriers to children’s rights. We ensure that life-saving programs and resources reach children and families according to their needs. To do this, UNICEF works only with non-governmental organizations that go through a rigorous screening and approval process with the United Nations. This process is repeated every few years.
These “implementing partners” are bound by agreements that they enter into with the UN. The agreements require that cash, supplies and equipment under their control are kept in the right hands for their intended purposes. This means they are not used to provide support to individuals or entities associated with terrorism, and they are not transferred by the implementing partner to any individual or entity that is listed on the UN Security Council Committee Consolidated List.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE UNICEF CANADA BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
UNICEF Canada is a Canadian Registered Charity and a separate legal entity from UNICEF’s headquarters. We are led by an executive leadership team that ultimately reports to the board of directors. The board of directors provides leadership in shaping our organization’s vision, and establishing priorities that contribute to sustainable fundraising and advocacy programs. Board members provide effective governance of the affairs of UNICEF Canada, act as role models through their own philanthropy, and mobilize and develop relationships on behalf of the organization.
DOES UNICEF CANADA MAINTAIN FINANCIAL RESERVES?
Yes. In accordance with UNICEF Canada’s reserves policy, we have reserves at a level sufficient to maintain salary and operating expenses for three months.
DOES UNICEF CANADA OWN ANY FIXED ASSETS, SUCH AS BUILDINGS?
UNICEF Canada does not own any buildings or land. We lease one floor of office space at market rate in midtown Toronto for fewer than 70 staff. We also lease small offices for teams of fewer than 5 staff in Montreal and Calgary.
If you did not find the information you are looking for, please reach out to us at info@unicef.ca or call 1 800 567 4483.