The Maki Foundation, established in 1981, is a private foundation that funds environmental protection efforts in the western United States. Its mission is to safeguard the wildlands, rivers, and biodiversity of the Rocky Mountain West. With a focus on grassroots and regional efforts, the foundation emphasizes modest but impactful support to help organizations advocate for improved public lands policy and protect ecological systems from harmful development and misuse.
The foundation’s geographic scope includes New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. Priority is given to organizations involved in public lands defense, biodiversity preservation, and opposition to environmentally damaging activities such as mineral extraction, unmanaged off-road vehicle use, and inadequate water infrastructure planning. Most grantees are small, community-based nonprofits that play critical roles in protecting threatened natural resources within these six states.
Grant awards typically range between $1,000 and $5,000. The foundation does not fund land or building acquisitions, park or reservoir construction, recycling programs, wildlife rehab centers, zoos, toxic waste cleanups, or other similar capital or service projects. It also avoids funding for media productions or individual fellowships. This reflects the foundation’s intent to invest in advocacy and policy work rather than physical infrastructure or rehabilitation programs.
New applicants are required to submit a one-page letter of inquiry via email to Grant Director Anais Tomezsko before submitting a full proposal. This email serves as a preliminary vetting process to ensure alignment with the foundation’s mission. Returning grantees may apply directly, though if more than five years have passed since their last award, they must also contact Anais to discuss the new proposal.
The foundation provides downloadable resources on its website, including application guidelines, the application form, and a checklist to help applicants prepare complete submissions. The Maki Foundation’s name reflects its values: derived from the Lakota word for land or earth, it symbolizes respect, honor, and stewardship of the natural world.
