The financial health of Canadian genealogical societies
Each year organizations federally registered as charities in Canada for tax purposes are required to file T3010 returns with the Canada Revenue Agency. Part of the return, including financial information, is available on the Revenue Canada website.
Below is a summary of some bottom line information from the returns filed for 2011, with a comparison to 2010 in parenthesis. These are taken mainly from Schedule 6 but in some cases where that is not available from Section D. Go to http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/chrts-gvng/lstngs/menu-eng.html and search for “genealogical” or “family history” to see the complete returns.
Summary
All societies reporting had a surplus of revenues over expenditures except for Saskatchewan with a deficit less than $1,000. The Alberta Genealogical Society had the largest surplus.
The Quebec Family History Society had the highest annual membership fee ($65), the Genealogical Society of Nova Scotia the lowest ($30).
The Alberta Genealogical Society
Total assets of $536,466 ($148,681), and liabilities of $200,592 ($24,352). The total revenue was $254,380 ($141,098) of which the major component was revenue received from the provincial government of $140,322 ($76,817). Expenditures totaled $218,231 ($142,518), the total expenditure on management and administration being $124,320 ($65,590). The membership fee was $50.
British Columbia Genealogical Society
Total assets of $203,016 ($199,265) and liabilities of $10,085 ($8,6130). Total revenue was $24,783 ($38,565). That substantial reduction appears to be accounted for by a decrease in sales and in membership. Expenditures totaled $22,502 ($30,964). While the surplus for the year declined net assets continue to climb. The individual annual membership fee was $45.00
British Isles Family History Society of Greater Ottawa Total assets for BIFHSGO were $81,491 ($76,722) and liabilities of $30,562 ($28,490). Total revenue was $51,232 ($51,090) of which $18,455 ($17,855) was from memberships. Expenditures totaled $44,638 ($38,964) with $9,595 ($4,764) spent on management and administration. The membership fee was $35 and is increased to $40 for 2013.
Manitoba Genealogical Society
Total assets of $50,743 ($45,448) and liabilities of $22,458 ($15,083). Total revenue was $60,780 ($57,240). Expenditures totaled $59,162 ($58,222) of which management and administration accounted for $4,442 ($5,002).
New Brunswick Genealogical Society
2011 return not posted as of 9 September 2012. The annual membership fee was $35.
Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2012, GANS had total assets of $303,274 ($303,274) and no reported liabilities. Total revenue was $32,549 ($23,058 ). Total expenditures were $30,717 ($30,317). The Association’s annual membership fee remains at $30.00.
Ontario Genealogical Society
Total assets of $ 2,324,973 ($2,574,939) of which $1,480,530 ($1,682,525) was held as cash bank accounts and short-term investments. Liabilities totaled ($246,412) $391,261. Total revenue was $ 621,393 ($641,731) including $297,991 ($320,678) from memberships. Expenditures totaled $617,151 ($628,220) of which $136,994 ($97,800) was spent on management and administration. The 2012 annual membership fee was $60 plus any fee for branch membership, typically $15.
Québec Family History Society
Total assets of $ 65,742 ($54,811) of which $49,056 ($48,993) was held as cash bank accounts and short-term investments. Liabilities totaled $ 7,899 ($10,514). Total revenue was $ 60,623 ($49,625) the largest component of which, $34,440 ($34,893) was for memberships. Expenditures totaled $47,420 ($50,679) including $28,886 ($22,571) for occupancy costs. There were no costs for management and administration. The annual fee was $65.
Saskatchewan Genealogical Society
Total assets of $ 46,921 ($100,126). Liabilities totaled $ 65,054 ($117,710). Total revenue of $261,767 ( $229,058) included $146,050 ( $135,000) from provincial government sources. Expenditures of $262,316 ($245,275) included $170,572 ($172,835) for management and administration. A regular family membership was $40.00, $50.00 with access to Society databases online.
Victoria Genealogical Society
