The Maki Foundation, established in 1981, makes grants for environmental protection in the western United States. In particular, the foundation is concerned with protection and preservation of the Rocky Mountain West’s remaining wild lands, rivers, and wilderness, as well as the wildlife that depends on these lands. The Maki Foundation’s geographic area of interest includes New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana.

The foundation supports organizations working to improve public lands policy, protect biological diversity, and defend wildlands. The foundation looks for organizations and projects where modest support can make a significant contribution. The majority of successful applicants for Maki grants are small local and regional grassroots organizations working to protect public lands and rivers from threats such as mineral development, unconstrained off-road vehicle use, and poorly planned water projects. Grants usually range from $1,000 to $5,000.

The Foundation does not consider requests for acquisition or construction of community recreation facilities, buildings, municipal parks, reservoirs, and similar projects. Limited resources preclude consideration of funding for wildlife rehabilitation centers, zoos, recycling programs, tree planting projects, toxic waste cleanup, film productions, and fellowships.

Important: If you have not previously received a grant from the Maki Foundation, before submitting an application please email a one-page letter of inquiry to Grant Director, Anais Tomezsko, to discuss your proposal.  makifoundation@gmail.com.

Previous grantees may submit an application directly without a letter of inquiry. If it has been more than 5 years, please email Anais to discuss your current proposal.

• Click here for guidelines
• Click here for downloadable application form
• Click here for a downloadable grant checklist