Plank Stewardship Initiative
Accepts applications
Plank Stewardship Initiative is a private foundation in Sheridan, Wyoming. In tax year 2025 it gave $278,961 in 15 grants; the typical grant was $11,350 and the largest $62,750. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$278,961
- Number of grants15
- Typical grant$11,350
- Largest grant$62,750
- Assets$7.9 million
- New grantees40%
Giving in 2025 was down from $287,035 the year before.
40% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $161,325 | 7 | $6.5 million |
| 2024 | $287,035 | 16 | $7.0 million |
| 2025 | $278,961 | 15 | $7.9 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Milward Simpson 3102 Spruce CT, Cheyenne, WY 82001 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (307) 421-4956, milward.simpson@plankstewardship.org |
| What to submit | Applications will be evaluated for their potential to enhance sustainable stewardship in the northern great plains by demonstrating the ability of the proposed project and/or program (s) to fulfill one or more grant criteria components by achieving the results described in the grant narrative and budget. We ask that interested nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations, educational institutions and local, county and state government agencies submit projects that meet one or more of the following criteria: 1.provide succession planning activities and resources for farm and ranch families in order to enhance family decision-making for long term ranch sustainability in the northern great plains 2. Provide critical training and resources to support successful farm and ranch operations, and enhance financial management. 3.provide training and resources in sustainable conservation practices in land management. This may include but is not limited to soil health improvement, development and growth of loc |
| Deadlines | Annually on march 31st via email to milward.simpson@plankstewardship.org |
| Restrictions | Our granting efforts are to strengthen the economic and ecological sustainability of rangelands in the northern great plains. The grants must be focused on one or more of the following psi mission-specific categories: 1) succession planning 2) economic competence and sustainability 3) land stewardship/sustainable range management 4) support for diverse representation with emphasis on under-represented communities (or disadvantaged or historically unsupported groups) in ranching including women and young producers |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Plank Stewardship Initiative funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Montana.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | 9 | $164,266 |
| Wyoming | 5 | $93,982 |
| New Mexico | 1 | $25,600 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Women in Ranching Inc | Ranching education for women | $62,750 |
| Montana Land Reliance | Land conservation and stewardship | $48,000 |
| University of Wyoming | Managing grasses invading ecosystems | $36,940 |
| Quivira Coalition | Sustainable ag tech assistance | $25,600 |
| Clear Creek Conservation District | Seeding fire lines with native grass | $22,500 |
| Petroleum County Conservation District | Water conservation projects for ag | $22,500 |
| Sheridan County Wy Conservation District | Sustainable ag ed for ranchers | $21,542 |
| Montana Association of Conservation Districts | Conservation education for ranchers | $11,350 |
| Sheridan Community Land Trust | Wildlife-friendly fencing education | $10,000 |
| Intertribal Agriculture Council | Ag ed for native american youth | $6,500 |
| Hopa Mountain | Cultivate native seed crops | $4,000 |
| Ranchers Stewardship Alliance | Assist ranchers with estate planning | $3,866 |
| Thunder Basin Grasslands Prairie Ecosystem Association | Sustainable agriculture tech support | $3,000 |
| Sheridan County Mt Conservation District | Water conservation monitoring and ed | $2,800 |
| Winnett Aces Inc | Sustainable agriculture education | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Charlie Bettigole
- Tressa Lawrence
- Leah Burgess
- Katie Meiklejohn
- Bea Gordon
- Dr Ben Rashford
- Mantha Phillips
- Beth White
- Khale Century-Reno
- Kristie Maczko
- Marty Zeller
- Milward Simpson
Questions people ask
Does Plank Stewardship Initiative accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: Annually on march 31st via email to milward.simpson@plankstewardship.org.
How much does Plank Stewardship Initiative give?
$278,961 in tax year 2025, across 15 grants, with a typical grant of $11,350.
Who runs Plank Stewardship Initiative?
Its 2025 filing lists Charlie Bettigole (Vice Chairma), Tressa Lawrence (Secretary), Leah Burgess (Board Chair) and Katie Meiklejohn (Treasurer) among 12 officers and trustees.
What does Plank Stewardship Initiative fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation and education.