MakeWay is a 4-star charity. It  is financially transparent and has a B results reporting grade, which is average. For every dollar donated to the charity, 90 cents are available to go to the cause. 

Founded in 2000, MakeWay funds various projects that help people and nature thrive together. MakeWay consists of two separately registered charities: MakeWay Charitable Society and MakeWay Foundation. Before June 2020, MakeWay was known as Tides Canada. Based on the model of Tides Foundations in the US, MakeWay sets up partnerships with local groups, leaders, foundations, and governments to protect nature. In F2022, MakeWay spent $30.5m on its programs. MakeWay reports it partnered with 200 foundations, 150 businesses, 50 governments, and over 2,500 individuals through its programs in F2022.

The charity launched the Fair Earth Living funder collaborative in F2022. The goal of this project is for Canadians to live more sustainably and within the means of Earth’s renewable resources. The project focuses on changing behaviour, particularly consumption, and advocating for sustainable policy changes.

MakeWay’s three largest spending areas are Shared Platform programs, Pacific programs, and Northern Canada programs.

Shared Platform: Shared Platform represents 79% of program spending. MakeWay’s Shared Platform program partners with individuals who have a project in line with the charity’s mission. Its shared platform provides the project with governance, HR assistance, financial and risk management, grant management, and charitable expertise. To be a part of MakeWay’s shared platform, the project must have an annual budget of more than $100k. Each project is responsible for its own fundraising and revenue generation, with 12% of revenue contributing to shared overhead cost. The charity reports it hosted over 70 shared platform projects across Canada in F2022. MakeWay closed five Shared Platform Projects in F2022. One project, the Healthy Watershed Initiative, supported 61 projects, employed over 750 people, and supported watershed work across BC.

Pacific and Northern Canada: Pacific programs represent 10% of program spending and Northern Canada programs represent 5% of program spending. MakeWay supported the development and implementation of over 59 Indigenous guardian programs in the North and Pacific in F2022.

The remaining 6% of program spending includes Northern Manitoba Food, Culture, and Community Collaborative; and National Programs and Advisory Services.

MakeWay consolidates its financial statements, including both MakeWay Charitable Society and MakeWay Foundation. Ci used the consolidated statements in the analysis below.

MakeWay received $47.8m in donations in F2022. This is a 78% increase compared to F2021, where the charity received $26.8m in donations. The increase is due to a $19m unrestricted donation from philanthropist Mackenzie Scott. The charity notes that these funds will be distributed strategically for long-term impact. The charity received $22.7m in government funding, a 200% increase compared to $7.6m received in F2021. Government funding represents 30% of revenue. MakeWay received $4.7m in fees for service in F2022, representing 6% of revenue.

MakeWay does not report administrative and fundraising costs separately in its audited financial statements. MakeWay’s fundraising and administrative costs are 10% of revenue. For every dollar donated to the charity, 90 cents are available to go to the cause, which is inside Ci’s reasonable range.

MakeWay has $88.3m in reserve funds, a 53% increase compared to $57.7m in F2021. The charity’s reserve funds can cover 289%, or two years and 11 months of its annual program costs.

The charity spent $469k. or 4% of total salaries, in professional services in F2022.

This charity report is an update that was sent for review to MakeWay. Changes and edits may be forthcoming. 

Updated on June 16, 2023 by Liam Chapleau.