Plank Stewardship Initiative
Historical FunderSheridan, Wyoming · EIN 46-4491120 · Private foundation · Website
Grants paid (2025)$279K
Organizations funded15
Typical grant$11,350
Total assets$7.9M
Half of its grants to organizations were between $3,866 and $25,600.
From the return
How to apply
The foundation filed the following application information (Form 990-PF Part XV, tax year 2025):
| Contact | MILWARD SIMPSON |
|---|---|
| Address | 3102 SPRUCE CT, CHEYENNE WY 82001 |
| Phone | 3074214956 |
| MILWARD.SIMPSON@PLANKSTEWARDSHIP.ORG | |
| Form and materials | 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 |
Copied as filed. Deadlines on a tax return describe the foundation's usual process; they are not confirmation of a current open cycle.
What it funds
Share of grant lines on the latest return, classified from the purpose each grant states.
Where it gives
58% of grants went outside Wyoming.
Grants paid in tax year 2025
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women in Ranching Inc | Cohagen, MT | Ranching education for women | $62,750 |
| Montana Land Reliance | Helena, MT | Land conservation and stewardship | $48,000 |
| University of Wyoming | Laramie, WY | Managing grasses invading ecosystems | $36,940 |
| Quivira Coalition | Santa Fe, NM | Sustainable ag tech assistance | $25,600 |
| Clear Creek Conservation District | Buffalo, WY | Seeding fire lines with native grass | $22,500 |
| Petroleum County Conservation District | Winnett, MT | Water conservation projects for ag | $22,500 |
| Sheridan County Wy Conservation District | Sheridan, WY | Sustainable ag ed for ranchers | $21,542 |
| Montana Association of Conservation Districts | Helena, MT | Conservation education for ranchers | $11,350 |
| Sheridan Community Land Trust | Sheridan, WY | Wildlife-Friendly fencing education | $10,000 |
| Intertribal Agriculture Council | Billings, MT | Ag ed for native american youth | $6,500 |
| Hopa Mountain | Bozeman, MT | Cultivate native seed crops | $4,000 |
| Ranchers Stewardship Alliance | Malta, MT | Assist ranchers with estate planning | $3,866 |
| Thunder Basin Grasslands Prairie Ecosystem Association | Douglas, WY | Sustainable agriculture tech support | $3,000 |
| Sheridan County Mt Conservation District | Plentywood, MT | Water conservation monitoring and ed | $2,800 |
| Winnett Aces Inc | Winnett, MT | Sustainable agriculture education | $2,500 |
| Wyoming Farm Bureau Foundation | Laramie, WY | Refund of prior year grant | -$200 |
| Wyoming Stockgrowers Land Trust | Cheyenne, WY | Refund of prior year grant | -$4,687 |
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $278,961 | 17 |
| 2024 | $287,035 | 16 |
| 2023 | $161,325 | 7 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2025, filed May 14, 2026 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202631349349105253
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 46-4491120
- Profile updated Nov 5, 2026
Facts on this page come from the foundation's own IRS Form 990-PF filings as published by the IRS. Grantvello does not know whether a foundation is accepting proposals right now: a past grant is not an open opportunity. Always confirm current guidelines with the funder before applying.