A Native-led foundation stays anchored in its mission to protect culture and land

Colorado Plateau Foundation

Colorado Plateau Foundation (CPF) is a mission-driven philanthropic organization serving Native communities across the Colorado Plateau, which spans the sovereign lands of 11 different Native American tribes. Centering reciprocity, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship, CPF supports community-led solutions that strengthen resilience, sovereignty, and long-term sustainability.

  • As CPF faced increasing organizational and funding complexities, it needed a more unified strategic direction. At the same time, CPF was committed to its relational approach and wanted to continue prioritizing trust, flexibility, and cultural alignment. Our role was to help clarify how to move forward in a rapidly changing environment.

    • Develop a strategic plan to guide CPF’s next phase of growth and impact.

    • Align board, staff, and stakeholders around shared priorities and direction.

    • Strengthen governance, leadership continuity, and organizational sustainability.

    • Clarify CPF’s role within a broader ecosystem of Native-led organizations and philanthropic partners.

  • The strategic planning process strengthened internal cohesion, supported continuity during leadership change, and clarified CPF’s role as both a funder and partner within a broader ecosystem of Native-led solutions. Grounded in trust, reciprocity, and cultural knowledge, the resulting strategy positions CPF to navigate change while staying rooted in its mission. As CPF moves forward, this work serves as a foundation for sustained impact.

  • Jun 2024–Apr 2025

“We can’t say enough about how positive our experience was with Sweet Grass . . . we truly could not have done it without you.”

—Heather Herold, Director of Grants and Operations, Colorado Plateau Foundation

Project team

  • Andrea Mader photo

    Andrea Mader

    Principal & Strategy Director

    Project supervisor, tool design, client communication, data collection and analysis, in-person strategic planning, and report writing

  • Jordan Greene photo

    Jordan Greene

    Associate Strategy Director

    Tool design, client communication, data collection and analysis, and report writing

  • Nat Bauer photo

    Nat Bauer

    Senior Graphic Designer

    Graphic and layout design, creative direction, and data visualization

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