At MakeWay, we often talk about what’s possible when resources and relationships move together in support of community-led change. Recently, that possibility grew in a profound way. We are humbled and deeply grateful to share that MakeWay has received a transformative donation of CAD $86 million from Yield Giving, the philanthropic initiative created by MacKenzie Scott.
This contribution is an extraordinary affirmation of the purpose, principles, and the people who constitute MakeWay: our partners, communities, and collaborators who, every day, imagine and build more just, inclusive, and sustainable futures.
It is also a call to deepen our accountability to each other, to the lands and waters that sustain us, and to the values that guide how we work, all at a time when collective action is the only path to creating shared solutions and lasting impact.
We recognize the serious responsibility that comes with receiving this gift. It comes as Canada is navigating economic uncertainty and when many of the communities we serve are facing increased pressure on already limited resources. In this context, our gratitude must be matched by thoughtfulness and intention.
Our approach to stewarding this gift will be guided by three intertwined commitments:
First, deliberate pacing. We will take the time to listen, reflect, and design a stewardship process that honours the magnitude of this trust. Acting quickly may be tempting but acting wisely will matter exponentially more.
Second, balance. We will hold steady between investing in urgent community priorities and strengthening our long-term organizational resilience. True sustainability will require that the systems supporting social and environmental change remain strong, creating the infrastructure for justice. We are committed to building lasting partnerships and investing in catalyzing work today for future generations.
Third, alignment. As we embark on a strategic planning process over the coming year, decisions about this gift will be integrated into that broader vision. We will ensure that every allocation—whether directed toward community initiatives, catalytic partnerships or the systems that sustain our work—reflects our purpose and values.
Our hope is that this moment becomes an example of what values-based philanthropy can look like in practice: rooted in humility, animated by reciprocity, and guided by the conviction that how we steward resources is as important as where we direct them.
Above all, this gift recognizes the communities, movements, organizations, and changemakers that have been steadfast in their work for generations. The trust placed in MakeWay as an intermediary organization capable of building pathways to support meaningful change exists because of them. It is through their leadership and creativity that real change takes hold.
As we move forward, we invite continued conversation—with our partners, peers, and the public—about what this kind of trust-based investment can make possible.
Unlocking possibilities, after all, requires collective wisdom.
Alex Sardar,
President and CEO, MakeWay
MakeWay is a national charity and public foundation with a goal to enable nature and communities to thrive together. We do this by building partnerships and providing solutions, grants, and services for the charitable sector across Canada.
In 2022, MacKenzie Scott made a generous $18 million donation to MakeWay. To date, we have mobilized the majority of this funding directly into the hands of community-led initiatives in alignment with our strategic priorities. We also invested in a strong core for the sustainability of the organization, including into our dated technology infrastructure, key research, shared learning, policy efforts, and supports for employee wellbeing. The remaining funds will be distributed in the year ahead, primarily to support community-led initiatives.