MakeWay is a large 4-star charity that is financially transparent. It has a B results reporting grade, which is average. For every dollar donated to the charity, 89 cents are available to go to the cause. This is within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending

Founded in 2000, MakeWay supports environmental and social change efforts nationwide with funding and partnerships. Amid the climate and biodiversity crises, MakeWay strives for nature and communities to thrive together. 77% of Canadians recognize the urgency of climate action. The charity reports that our harmful consumption habits drive the ecological crisis, impacting the vulnerable in our communities the hardest. 51% of Canadians see the importance of balancing economic concerns with environmental preservation.

MakeWay consists of two separately registered charities: MakeWay Charitable Society and MakeWay Foundation. Before June 2020, MakeWay was known as Tides Canada. The charity reports it partnered with 180 foundations, 120 businesses, 40 governments and over 1,200 individuals through its programs in F2023.

MakeWay's 2022-2025 Strategic Plan, informed by community feedback, prioritizes transformative change while upholding expertise. Its seven connected priorities encompass transformed and Indigenous food systems; healthy lands and waters; and Indigenous authority, language, and cultural resurgence. MakeWay’s Theory of Change centers on building trust, offering solutions for communities, and driving significant transformations toward its mission of a thriving planet.

MakeWay’s three largest spending areas are the Shared Platform programming, the BC Program, and the Northern Program.

Shared Platform programming represents 70% of program spending. This program supports over 60 community-led projects tackling diverse social and environmental issues across Canada. Multiple charitable projects that align with MakeWay’s mission join together instead of operating individually. Its shared platform provides projects 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. Projects include: BC Freshwater initiative, Binners’ Project, East Scarborough Storefront, and Northern Youth Leadership.

BC Program represents 13% of program spending. This program collaborates with communities to foster transformation in one of North America’s most culturally and ecologically diverse regions. In F2023, MakeWay deployed $13 million in holistic funding to over 61 First Nations in support of their initiatives. The Indigenous Watersheds Initiative (IWI) is a three-year effort (2022-2025) supporting 49 Indigenous-led projects in British Columbia to enhance watershed health and security.

Northern Program represents 10% of program spending. MakeWay supports Northern innovators, prioritizing community, economy, and environment. This program is centered on four key priorities: Northern Leadership, Sustainable Livelihoods, Indigenous Cultural Resurgence, and Land & Water Stewardship.

The remaining 7% of program spending includes the Prairies Program (in Northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan) and National and Cross-Regional 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 is a large charity receiving $55.5m in donations in F2023. The charity received $7.1m in new government grants along with $15.0m in funding allocated in F2022. This total of $22.1m represents 26% of revenues. During F2023, MakeWay did not recognize any government contributions related to either the Canada Emergency Wage (or Rent) Subsidy. MakeWay received $4.4m in fees for service, representing 5% of revenue. MakeWay spent $40.2m on its programs and grants, representing 47% of total revenues.

MakeWay does not report administrative and fundraising costs separately in its audited financial statements. MakeWay’s fundraising and administrative costs are 11% of revenue. For every dollar donated to the charity, 89 cents are available to go to the cause, which is inside Ci’s reasonable range.

In F2023, MakeWay had a surplus of $32.3m (38%) of total revenue and spent $1.6m on capital expenditures. MakeWay has $99.7m in reserve funds, which can cover 2 years and two months of its annual program costs.

In F2023, MakeWay reported $10.6m in professional and consulting fees, which is 55% of total employee compensation. MakeWay Charitable Society paid external fundraisers $35k and reported no donations in F2023.

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

Updated on June 27, 2024 by Alexia Tudose.