CityKidz is a 4-star charity. The charity has a B+ Results Reporting grade, which is above average. Its overhead spending is 17%, within Ci’s reasonable range, and its reserve funds can cover ten months of annual program costs. This is within Ci’s reasonable range.  

Founded in 1993, CityKidz is a Christian charity that works to develop supportive, consistent relationships with children and youth from low-income communities in Hamilton. The charity also has branches in Regina and Ottawa that have similar operations, but they are considered separate charities. CityKidz reports that one in five children live in poverty and over 1,200 kids go hungry each week in Hamilton. It reports that children make up nearly 40% of food bank users in Hamilton.  The charity aims to provide the necessary love, guidance, and support to help children escape poverty. CityKidz operates weekly programs, including CityKidz and CityYouth sessions, as well as a number of core projects mentioned below. It does not provide a breakdown of spending per program.   

The charity runs CityKidz, which is for children from grade one to grade six. Every Saturday, the charity’s distinctive red buses pick up children from their homes and bring them to its downtown theatre. The session includes a meal, an interactive performance, and lessons on faith, hope, and love. In 2024, the charity reported that over 766 children were enrolled, with 395 new children joining the program and an average of 290 children attending each session. It stated that it handed out over 7,200 nutritious meals in 2024.  

CityYouth is for youth between grade seven and grade twelve. The program focuses on helping teens develop and practice leadership skills by mentoring them to explore their identity, wisdom, faith, and relationships. In 2024, the charity reported that 138 youths participated in weekly programs with a 16% increase in attendance. CityKidz stated that 43 youths graduated and joined the Roadmaps to Dreams projects and 46 junior leaders gave back as volunteers in 2024. 

CityKidz’s core projects include Home Visits, Gifts of Christmas, Operation Birthday Child, and Camp CityKidz. During the week, CityKidz volunteers visit each child’s home, connecting with their families and building stronger relationships. In 2024, the charity conducted 14,646 home visits across 25 weeks. CityKidz stated that 114 kids attended Camp Citykidz, with 15 youths attending partner camps. The charity reported that 398 children and 110 youths attended its Christmas parties in 2024. CityKidz stated that it delivered 2,336 toys in 2024. 

 CityKidz has an Education Fund to support the post-secondary education of youth. In 2024, CityKidz reported that 11 high school students received an Encouragement Award and 15 post-secondary students received bursaries of $1,500. It also stated that four new post-secondary students received support through its Education Fund.  

CityKidz’s audited financial statements follow line-item costing, which is not a best practice.  

In 2024, the charity received $2.4m in donations, which is 92% of total revenue, and reported $49k in goods in kind.  

CityKidz spent $1.9m on its program, which is 75% of total revenue in 2024. It spent $124k on administration, which is 5% of revenue in 2024. The charity spent $297k on fundraising, which is 13% of donations. This means that the total overhead costs are 17%. For every dollar donated, 83 cents are available to go to the cause. This is within Charity Intelligence’s reasonable range. 

In 2024, the charity recorded a surplus of $207k and had net funding reserves of $1.7m. This reserve can cover 85%, or 10 months of annual program costs. This is within Charity Intelligence’s limit of 300%.  

Profile updated by Leah Holmes on June 30, 2025. This charity report is an update that has been sent to the charity for review. Comments and corrections may be forthcoming.