Liberty for Youth is 1-star charity. It is not financially transparent and has a D results reporting grade, which is below average. Its reported overhead spending is 14%; however, this may be understated. Its reserve funds are less than its total interest-bearing debts. Read Ci’s report before donating.

Founded in 2003, Liberty for Youth (LFY) provides mentorship programs for at-risk youth aged 12 to 25 in Hamilton, Ontario. These programs aim to build inner character, enhance life skills, and motivate youth to become contributing members in their communities. LFY reports that challenges youth face in Hamilton include poverty, substance abuse, unsafe home environments, and gang involvement.

LFY spent $943k on its programs and grants in the fiscal year ending March 2024 (F2024). It runs four programs: Bright Choices, Prodigal Sonz, Character Development, and LEAD. The charity did not provide a spending breakdown on its programs.

Bright Choices aims to support youth education and help students overcome challenges related to school. The charity offers activities such as mentorship, tutoring, internships, counselling, and outdoor wellness activities. In F2024, the charity reported the average number of students participating in its program per day was 14.

Prodigal Sonz is a free basketball program for at-risk youth. The program aims to provide a constructive outlet for youth to have fun and connect with one another. On June 8^th, 2024, LFY hosted its 18^th Annual Liberty and Justice Unity Basketball Game.

Character Development aims to empower youth to develop character, leadership skills, and personal responsibility. The charity conducts activities such as chapel services, peer mentorship, community service, and international mission trips. Ci found little information on this program.

The LEAD (Liberty Equine Assisted Development) program aims to improve personal and professional growth for at-risk youth. Youth attend the charity’s ranch, where they partner with a horse and participate in fun activities. It also offers farm internship opportunities so that youth can develop employability skills. Ci found little information on this program.

Liberty for Youth is not financially transparent. Its audited financial statements are not posted on its website nor provided when requested. Charity Intelligence received LFY’s financial statements from the CRA Charities Directorate.

Although LFY’s audited financial statements provide some disclosure on how much it spent on program, administrative, and fundraising activities, it did not break out its staffing costs between these three activities. This means LFY follows line-item costing, which is not a financial reporting best practice. Given this, Ci referred to the charity’s T3010 filing with the CRA Charities Directorate to report this breakdown.

LFY received $1.1m in Canadian donations and special event fundraising in F2024, which is 95% of total revenue. It spent $943k on its programs and grants in F2024, which is 83% of revenue; $937k went to its programs and it granted $6k. LFY recorded a surplus of $46k in F2024 (4% of revenue).

The charity's reported fundraising costs on its T3010 (and likely administrative costs) exclude staff salaries. LFY reported $52k in fundraising costs, which is 5% of donations. It reported $100k in administrative costs, which is 9% of revenue. LFY has total overhead spending of 14%. For every dollar donated to LFY, the charity reported that 86 cents are available to go to the cause; however, this is likely overstated. 

LFY has ($999k) in reserve funds (cash and investments). Its program cost coverage ratio is negative because its total interest-bearing debts exceed the charity’s gross funding reserves on its balance sheet. Excluding its debts, LFY can cover 24%, or nearly three months of program costs with its reserve funds.

This report is an update that has been sent to Liberty for Youth for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on August 27, 2025, by Leah DeFrancesco.