Published by MakeWay’s Philanthropic Services team  

How can aligning philanthropy with the seasons create more meaningful giving and impact? At MakeWay, we draw deep inspiration and guidance from the changing rhythms of the seasons. Recently, we’ve woven these natural cycles into our donor advised fund (DAF) program, aligning giving with a cycle of reflection, intention-setting, generosity, and renewal. 

“Philanthropy can feel like a transactional process –  we wanted to slow things down and invite people to see giving as part of a living, breathing rhythm,” said Lee Burton, Director of Philanthropic Services at MakeWay. “By aligning with the seasons, we create natural moments to pause, to listen, to dream, and to act. It helps fund advisors stay grounded in why they give, not just where they give.” 

 

What is a Donor Advised Fund (DAF)?

A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is a charitable giving vehicle that allows individuals, families, and organizations to make tax-deductible contributions to a fund managed by a charity. Many choose to open DAFs because they offer a flexible, cost-effective alternative to establishing a private foundation. Funders are also able to rely on the expertise and capacity of the host charity to handle administrative tasks, ensure compliance, and direct resources to communities and organizations doing meaningful work.  

For over 25 years, MakeWay has been home to hundreds of advised funds. Fund partners include diverse individuals, families, foundations, and communities supporting a wide range of values-aligned causes. Unlike many other DAF-providers, MakeWay leverages advised funds to enable, nimble, transformative philanthropy—increasing the flow of unrestricted capital into communities. Building on lessons learned, our aim is to support funder partners that want to listen to and learn from community, who have the courage to share and shift power, and who are active in their approach to social, environmental, and economic justice. 

How Our DAF Seasonal Cycle Unfolds

One of the key changes made this year was introducing a seasonal cycle of giving, which helps fund advisors connect more deeply to their values, to communities, and to the natural rhythms of change. “We started noticing that the way we worked with fund advisors was out of sync with how communities operated. Community partners often need wintertime to regroup and reflect, and are in full motion in summer when programs run or are on the land during harvest season,” Lee reflected.  “Creating a seasonal cycle seemed like a way to honour those rhythms, lessen stress for community partners, and invite fund advisors to slow down and enjoy an embodied process of philanthropy. 

This seasonal rhythm honours both the practical and emotional dimensions of philanthropy, helping donors stay grounded in their values and supported by a trusted team.  

The seasonal cycle also reflects how many of our community partners operate. Summer is often the busiest time for programming, gathering with family and community, or spending time on the land, while winter tends to be quieter—offering space to pause, reflect, and plan.  

This approach is part of our ongoing shift away from a donor-centric model toward one that prioritizes community needs, fostering a culture of philanthropy rooted in trust and meaningful engagement. Here’s how it unfolds: 

 

January – March: Rest & Reflection 

• The calendar year begins with spaciousness, offering a time to pause, review the past year and reconnect with purpose. We encourage Fund Advisors to ask: What impact did your giving have on you personally? What did you learn about your values in action? What would you like to do more or less of?  

• Our team supports fund advisors to share stories, explore insights, or take time to ground their values before setting new intentions. 

 

April – June: Setting the Foundation 

• Spring brings new energy, making it an ideal time to clarify goals and align giving with the change fund advisors want to see in the world.  

• During this season, our team will schedule an annual philanthropic conversation: a dedicated time to reflect, dream and map out the year ahead. 

 

July – September: Generosity in Action  

• Summer is a time of activity and momentum, when giving takes shape. Whether through supporting long-standing partnerships or exploring new opportunities, this is the heart of the cycle: values-led, community-rooted and purpose-driven. 

• We offer recommendations, help with due diligence, and celebrate the impact of fund advisors’ care and commitment. 

 

October – December: Tending & Year-End Giving 

• As the year draws to a close, we revisit goals and help ensure giving feels complete and aligned. This is also when donors may choose to make additional year-end gifts into their fund and/or out to community.  

• MakeWay’s team offers support, provides recommendations, and helps donors make meaningful year-end contributions. Together, we’ll also look ahead and plant the seeds for another cycle of thoughtful, values-aligned giving.

 

Walking Together Through the Seasons 

Partnering with MakeWay isn’t just a transaction; we provide personalized philanthropic advisory services to every funder we collaborate with, helping align giving with values, deepen impact, and make confident, informed decisions.  

Funders work with their dedicated fund advisor who offers personalized guidance, strategic planning, and insights into the charitable landscape in Canada, including: 

• Defining giving priorities and philanthropic “North Star” 

• Creating a multi-year fund strategy 

• Identifying and assessing potential grantees 

• Developing plans for long-term or legacy giving 

• Understanding emerging trends and practices in philanthropy 

• Navigating community relationships or collaborative initiatives 

 

The philanthropic advisory team walks alongside fund advisors throughout the year, helping them stay grounded in their values, aligned with their goals, and supported at every step.  

“Our goal is to create a fulfilling journey for every fund advisor. By walking together through the seasons, reflecting, setting intentions, acting with generosity, and closing the year with gratitude, we invite a deeper sense of connection, joy, and fulfillment that comes from truly values-aligned giving.” 

Get started with MakeWay today Get in touch with us at advisedfunds@makeway.org and we’ll reach out shortly to schedule a call.