Rick Hansen Foundation

The Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) is relentless in its pursuit of high impact innovations that will accelerate a cure for spinal cord injury; improve the quality of life of those living with an SCI; and save hundreds of millions of dollars in future health care and social assistance costs.

2009 was a challenging year for most Canadian foundations and non-profits, and our Foundation is no different. The Rick Hansen Foundation is now in the midst of a major transition. It’s been 25 years since Rick and his team first set out on the Man In Motion World Tour. While this anniversary provides an ideal opportunity to acknowledge the progress to date, it has also yielded ambitious new goals. Rick and the Foundation remain committed to developing new innovations that will continue to advance the vision of an inclusive and accessible world.

We need to be able to attract, retain and motivate a team of highly-qualified individuals to help us continue to succeed, in a very competitive marketplace. The experienced leadership necessary to lead these complex initiatives is part of what makes RHF extraordinary. Our team is responsible for the success of our innovations and resulting impact we are able to have.

The greatest asset we have is our founder and leader, Rick Hansen. His contribution is of incredible and irreplaceable value to the organization – not only for his leadership and ability to focus attention on the cause, but to attract financial support.

2008 Financials

Questions and Answers

Q. What initiatives do you fund?
A. Key initiatives of the Rick Hansen Foundation include:

• The continued development of the Spinal Cord Injury Solutions Network (SCI Solutions Network). This independent, national network of people with SCI, researchers and service providers addresses priority needs of people with SCI by facilitating translational research, best practice adoption and community participation across the entire “injury to community” service continuum. While still in early development, this innovative network is already being viewed as a model for replication by other countries such Australia and New Zealand.
• Building the Blusson Spinal Cord Centre (BSCC) – Opened in 2008 in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health and UBC, on the grounds of Vancouver General Hospital, the $43 million BSCC houses one of the world’s most integrated centers for developing leading-edge research and delivering improved care for people living with SCI. The BSCC holds the potential to become a leading international centre of excellence in SCI research, treatment and rehabilitation.
• The expansion of Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion – a Canada-wide annual fundraising event that has provided over $10.8 million to improve accessibility and quality of life of people with SCI and other disabilities across the country, and enhancing opportunities to participate in clinical trials.
• The Rick Hansen School Program which promotes self-worth and social awareness in children, through stories and lesson plans inspired by Rick Hansen’s legendary Man in Motion World Tour.

Q. Where do the dollars go?
A. The majority of monies raised are directed towards various RHF innovations focused on accelerating the search for the cure, and improving the daily lives of people living with an SCI.

For instance, they have contributed to the establishment of a national foundation that supports the search for the cure and improved quality of life through the creation of the Spinal Cord Injury solutions Network (SCISN). This network of people with SCI, researchers and service providers addresses priority needs of people with SCI by facilitating translational research, best practice adoption and community participation across the entire “injury to community” service continuum.

Some monies may be granted out to other charities whose charitable mission helps the Foundation meet its mandate.

Revenue generated through the well-known annual public Wheels In Motion event support quality of life projects as well as targeted, strategic priorities called National Solutions – both with the single purpose of improving the lives of people with spinal cord injury. Since its inception, 80% of funds are used to address the priority needs of individuals and groups in local event communities. The remaining 20% helps offset administration costs involved in running this nation-wide series of events.

Supporters of the Foundation may specify whether they wish to support specific research or quality of life initiatives, or the area of greatest need at the Foundation.

Q. Where do your funds come from?
A. The Foundation is grateful for the incredible support it receives from government, individuals and corporations. The majority of funds raised by RHF are through government grants (over 67% in 2009). Individuals and corporate donations and sponsorships represent the remaining revenues (31% in 2009).

In addition, annual revenues are generated through a series of endowments, known as the Leadership Endowment Funds. This annual income stream helps to offset operational costs thereby reducing the dependency on annual donations from our generous supporters.

Q. How are Foundation’s revenues allocated?
A. As with any Canadian public foundation, the bulk of funds raised are granted out to other recipients. Often these funds are strictly designated for program costs - not administrative support. And the Foundation must raise unrestricted funds to offset these costs. In addition, a portion of these administrative costs are covered by the Foundation’s endowment and investment returns.

Q. What is the Foundation’s commitment to accountability?
A. The Foundation follows GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures) in all financial tracking and reporting. In addition, there is a Finance and Accountability Committee of the Board that is responsible for the overall commitment to accountability. RHF has an annual audited and produces audited financial statements, and abides by the Board-approved financial, investment, endowment and gift acceptance policies.

The funding received from government has its own stringent accountability requirements set by the respective Provincial or Federal government. The Foundation follows an annual program of accountability to its non-government donors through stewardship reporting. And, the Foundation is guided by the standards and protocols outlined in Imagine Canada’s Ethical Code, along with adhering to the Donor’s Bill of Rights. In addition, the Foundation’s fundraising team is a member of AFP and CAGP and therefore subscribe to their respective ethical codes in all dealings with donors.

Q. How are operational costs covered?
A. As in most organizations of our type, a significant part of operational costs are spent on salaries. Within today’s competitive job market, we strive to pay market-appropriate wages to attract and retain the exceptional talent that will help us accomplish world class results.

Many of RHF’s innovative programs are both national and international in scope and engaging the “best and brightest” leaders skilled in global leadership and leading edge research community is an expensive, but necessary expenditure if we are to continue to succeed. Salary ranges are reviewed externally every 2-3 years against benchmarks which include both the non-profit and for-profit marketplace. The RHF Board approves all salary ranges as well as any pay increases for senior management.

Q How has the recent economic downturn affected the Foundation?
A. The Foundation has not been immune to this impact. A significant portion of operating income comes from its investment and Leadership Endowment Funds and with interest rates at all time low, this has been negatively impacted.

Like most Canadian organizations, we have had to evaluate how we can continue to fulfill our core obligations in this current climate. The Foundation has had to make some difficult decisions with regards to staffing. Our top priorities are the viability of our core programs and financial accountability. We will continue to make thoughtful yet strategic decisions to continue our mission.