Children’s Cottage Society is a 4-star charity with a results reporting grade of B which is average. For every dollar donated, 75 cents are available to go towards the cause. 

Founded in 1986, Children’s Cottage Society (CCS) hopes to build strong children and nurturing families through its prevention programs and support services. CCS states that ongoing negative experiences in early years of life increase a person’s risk of developing later health issues. The charity runs four programs: Housing and Homelessness; Crisis Nursery; Family Resource Network; and Community Programs. Charity Intelligence calculates that Children’s Cottage Society spent $6.4m on its programs in fiscal 2025 (year ended March).

In F2025, Housing and Homelessness was 37% of annual program costs. CCS runs Brenda’s House, a temporary shelter for homeless families. Brenda’s House provides shelter along with support to help families move back into their own housing. In F2025, Brenda’s House served 63 families and 121 children. The charity’s HomeLinks subprogram helps families stay housed and become self-sufficient. In F2025, HomeLinks served 56 families and 91 children.

In F2025, Crisis Nursery was 32% of annual program costs. Families experiencing a crisis or difficulty can request care for up to three days in the Nursery. The Nursery provides a safe space for children aged nine or younger. In F2025, Crisis Nursery served 718 families and 1,182 children.

In F2025, Community Programs was 17% of annual program costs. CCS runs a variety of smaller community programs that involve life coaching, respite care, and daycare. In F2025, the Early Years program served 79 families and 103 children.

In F2025, Family Resource Network was 14% of annual program costs. This program connects families to free resources, activities and supports. In F2025, this program supported 1,905 families and 2,412 children. The charity also reports helping 71 families through its family mental wellness program.

A Charity Intelligence 2024 Top 10 Impact: Canadian Youth Charities.

Children’s Cottage Society’s financial statements follow activity-based costing, which is a best practice. This means it clearly discloses which expenses relate to program, administrative, and fundraising activities.

In F2025, CCS received $6.5m in donations. It also received $4.6m in government funding, representing 41% of total revenues. Administrative costs are 9% of total revenues (less investment income) and fundraising costs are 16% of total donations. For every dollar donated, 75 cents are available to go towards the cause. This is within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending. Children’s Cottage Society doubled its fundraising costs due to its capital campaign for the construction of a new Child & Family Centre, which is a $25.5m project. In F2025, CSC spent $6.4m on its programs which represents 57% of total revenues.

In F2025, CCS had ($772k) in its reserve funds meaning it has more debts than cash and investments. Children’s Cottage Society obtained these debts for the construction of its new Centre.

Profile updated on July 7, 2025 by Abby Stout.