Tanka Fund
Tanka Fund is a Native-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2014 that grants capital and provides technical assistance to Native American buffalo ranchers, supporting 24 partners across 8 states with herd restoration and, as of 2024, meat processing infrastructure.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersRapid City, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Tanka Fund does
Tanka Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2014 and headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota. Its core function is to restore buffalo (bison) to Native American lands, livelihoods, and economies by acting as a grantmaker, capacity-builder, and ecosystem coordinator for Native buffalo ranchers. As of 2024, it supports 24 rancher partners across 8 states, managing a network that collectively stewards more than 2,500 buffalo. The organization distributes grants and program services (totaling $937,813 in 2024) and provides technical assistance, training, and market access support to its rancher partners.
Tanka's underlying "technology" is operational rather than digital: it is a relationship-driven, federally and donor-funded grant platform that combines technical assistance, herd management support, and downstream market infrastructure. The acquisition of the Sacred Storm Buffalo processing plant in July 2024 added direct ownership of meat processing capability, extending the organization's reach from capital deployment into physical commodity value capture. Programmatic technology is administrative — donor CRM, grant reporting systems — and no proprietary software, AI, or data platform was identified in the available materials.
Tanka's business model is nonprofit revenue: a mix of direct individual donations (record $256,794 in 2024), federal grants (USDA 2501 Program, prior USDA Climate-Smart Commodities), and quasi-federal/NGO grants (NFWF America the Beautiful Challenge), supplemented by partnerships with organizations such as The Nature Conservancy and the Minnesota Zoo. Customer segments are Native American ranchers (programmatic beneficiaries) and institutional plus individual donors (funding sources). Pricing/contract mechanics are grant-based rather than transactional, with go-to-market executed through federal RFP processes, foundation relationships, and direct donor fundraising campaigns.
Tanka Fund firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Tanka Fund
- Legal name
- Tanka Fund
- Website
- https://tankafund.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Tanka Fund is a Native-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2014 that grants capital and provides technical assistance to Native American buffalo ranchers, supporting 24 partners across 8 states with herd restoration and, as of 2024, meat processing infrastructure.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Tanka Fund industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Indigenous Agriculture and Buffalo Restoration Services
- NAICS
- Support Activities for Animal Production (115210), Support Activities for Animal Production (11521), Support Activities for Animal Production (1152)
- SIC
- Agricultural Prod-Livestock & Animal Specialties (200), Agricultural Services (700)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Grantmaking & Philanthropic Funds (Institutional Donors) (BPADAOAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Livestock & Herd/Flock Operations Management Advisory (Nutrition, Housing, Performance) (AFACAJAL), Beef Cattle Production Support Services (Fencing, Water Systems, Range Improvement) (AFAEABAM), Trust Funds & Multi-Donor Pooled Funds (BPADAOAE)
Keywords
Where Tanka Fund is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Rapid City
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Tanka Fund business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Others, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Donations and Charitable Contributions: Tanka Fund operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 82-5315136) that generates revenue primarily through individual and corporate donations. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. The organization runs periodic fundraising campaigns including the 'We Are Still Here' campaign and direct mail appeals.
- Government Grants: Tanka Fund receives grant funding from government agencies including USDA (2501 Program grant for technical assistance to Native American and Native veteran Buffalo ranchers), America the Beautiful Challenge grant from NFWF for Native-led Buffalo land restoration across 6 states, and USDA Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program (up to $5 million over 5 years, though the program was ended in April 2025).
- Corporate and Foundation Grants: Tanka Fund receives funding from corporate foundations and private philanthropies including Cielo Foundation, ButcherBox, Peace Development Fund, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Fidelity Charitable, Vadon Foundation, Wildseeds Fund, Regenerative Agriculture Foundation, and others. These funders support specific programs like the Returns Fund, video production, and operational capacity.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | One time/ perpetual license | Donation tier with promotional gift |
| Other | One time/ perpetual license | Premium donation tier with collector's item |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Tanka Fund product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Tanka Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that restores Buffalo to Native American lands, lives, and economies by providing direct grants, Buffalo animals, fencing, equipment, and technical assistance to Native rancher partners. The organization funds and supports private Native American family- and community-owned Buffalo ranches, offers technical training in range management and conservation, and operates complementary programs including the Young Native Leaders Network and the Beef and Bison Commodities climate-smart incentives program.
Product overview
Tanka Fund is a nonprofit organization operating a unified suite of programs focused on restoring Buffalo to Native American lands, lives, and economies. The core offerings include the Buffalo Restoration Program (providing animals and support to Native ranchers), a Grantmaking Program (direct funding for equipment, fencing, and ranch operations), and Technical Assistance and Training (range ecology, land monitoring, water quality testing). Supporting programs include the Young Native Leaders Network (youth development), Tanka Impact Podcast (educational content), and the Beef and Bison Commodities Program (climate-smart incentives). The organization also conducts campaigns like Wóphila Thánka (gratitude campaign) and We Are Still Here (fundraising with merchandise). The 'Bringing the Buffalo Home' video series documents the organization's work across all programs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 2,500 Buffalo returned to Indigenous communities since 2020
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Tanka Fund
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Tanka Fund technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Tanka Fund partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- The Nature ConservancycoreMajor conservation partnership for buffalo releases to Native lands. The Nature Conservancy provides buffalo animals for release to Tanka Fund rancher partners. This partnership has facilitated the return of hundreds of buffalo to Native caretakers across multiple states.
- Minnesota ZoocoreCollaborative partnership for buffalo reintroduction to Native lands. The Minnesota Zoo provides buffalo animals and conservation biology expertise through a partnership with Tanka Fund and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Conservation biologist Mary Mallinger leads key initiatives.
- Eighth GenerationminorFirst Native-owned company to produce wool blankets, based in Seattle, WA. Collaborated with Tanka Fund to create the 'Infinity Journey of the Buffalo' limited edition blanket as a thank-you gift for donors. The blanket features Lakota artist Delaena Uses Knife's design and is made of 100% New Zealand Wool Pile.
- South Dakota State University (SDSU)coreSDSU received a 5-year USDA grant in 2023 for the beef and bison commodities program. Tanka Fund is a major partner in this award along with National Bison Association, AgSpire, and Renovo Seeds. The program provides incentives to Buffalo and cattle ranchers for long-term land management practices.
- National Bison Association (NBA)corePartner in the beef and bison commodities program. Executive Director Jim Matheson co-presented with Dawn Sherman at the Texas Bison Association Conference on incentives for sustainable land management practices.
- Sacred Storm BuffalocoreTanka Fund and two Native nonprofits acquired the Sacred Storm Buffalo processing plant in Rapid City, SD, officially launching operations in July. The facility supports buffalo processing and workforce development, creating jobs and opportunities for Native youth. Donated meat to Rapid City's Indigenous community through partnership with Oglala Sioux Tribe Food Distribution program.
- Makoce Agriculture DevelopmentcoreNative-led organization based on Pine Ridge Reservation dedicated to advancing Indigenous agriculture and food systems. Tanka Fund Board Member Nick Hernandez serves as CEO and President. Current grant partnership involves seed trainings, soil sampling with ranchers, community events, cultural harvests, and team-building efforts.
- Flower Hill InstituteminorHosted roundtable discussion 'Lessons from the Field: Humane Field Harvesting and Processing for Meat and Poultry' with Tanka Fund participation. Provided mental health resources list for ranchers, farmers, and veterans including Farm Aid Hotline and USDA Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network.
- Intertribal Buffalo CouncilminorPartner in the Regional Buffalo to Schools Conference. Tanka Fund collaborates with this organization and others to advance buffalo in school meal programs and tribal food sovereignty.
- Intertribal Agriculture CouncilminorPartner in Regional Buffalo to Schools Conference. Collaborative effort to help school food service staff, administrators, and buffalo producers begin or continue Indigenizing school meal menus with buffalo.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Tanka Fund competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Wildlife Conservation Society: Large wildlife conservation organization with bison restoration programs including herd management at sites like the American Prairie Reserve. Operates at far greater scale but shares the bison restoration mission.
- The Nature Conservancy: Major conservation organization and core Tanka Fund partner that supplies buffalo animals for reintroduction. Operates a vastly broader conservation portfolio but is a direct counterparty in the buffalo restoration supply chain.
- Defenders of Wildlife: National wildlife advocacy organization with active bison policy and co-existence programs. Operates broader wildlife agenda but shares bison recovery as a programmatic priority.
Emerging players
- American Prairie Reserve: Large-scale bison restoration project in Montana building a contiguous prairie wildlife reserve. Operates as a private land-based bison restoration effort at much larger scale, comparable in core mission.
- First Nations Development Institute: Native-led nonprofit investing in food sovereignty and Native agriculture. Partners with Tanka Fund on the Food Sovereignty Summit and Buffalo to Schools Conference, with overlapping mission in Native food systems but a broader programmatic scope.
- Makoce Agriculture Development: Native-led organization on Pine Ridge advancing Indigenous agriculture and food systems. Tanka Fund board secretary Nick Hernandez serves as CEO. Operates as a peer grant-and-program partner rather than a competitor.
Direct peers
- Intertribal Buffalo Council: Native-led nonprofit coordinating buffalo programs across many of the same tribes. ITBC operates at a tribal-government scale while Tanka Fund focuses on private Native family ranches, making them complementary rather than competing in the same niche.
- Native American Agriculture Fund: Major Native-led agricultural grantmaker funded by the Keepseagle settlement. Provides grants across Native agricultural value chains including ranching, making it the closest comparable Native agricultural grantmaker, though it is broader in scope than Tanka Fund's bison focus.
- National Bison Association: Industry trade association for the U.S. bison sector with which Tanka Fund co-presents on climate-smart land management. Represents commercial bison producers broadly, whereas Tanka Fund's scope is limited to private Native family ranches.
Regional players
- Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative: University of Arkansas-based policy initiative supporting tribal food and agriculture governance. Operates in an adjacent Indigenous agriculture niche with policy and research focus rather than direct rancher grantmaking.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Tanka Fund social profiles
Digital presenceTanka Fund financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Tanka Fund leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Tanka Fund funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Tanka Fund M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Tanka Fund
What does Tanka Fund do?
Tanka Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that restores Buffalo to Native American lands, lives, and economies by providing direct grants, Buffalo animals, fencing, equipment, and technical assistance to Native rancher partners. The organization funds and supports private Native American family- and community-owned Buffalo ranches, offers technical training in range management and conservation, and operates complementary programs including the Young Native Leaders Network and the Beef and Bison Commodities climate-smart incentives program.
Is Tanka Fund a public or private company?
Tanka Fund is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Tanka Fund founded?
Tanka Fund was founded in 2014. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Tanka Fund based?
Tanka Fund is headquartered in Rapid City, United States, in the North America region.
How does Tanka Fund make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Donations and Charitable Contributions are the primary driver. The others are government Grants and corporate and Foundation Grants.
Who are Tanka Fund's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Wildlife Conservation Society, The Nature Conservancy and Defenders of Wildlife. Emerging players are American Prairie Reserve, First Nations Development Institute and Makoce Agriculture Development. Direct peers are Intertribal Buffalo Council, Native American Agriculture Fund and National Bison Association. Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative is listed as a regional player.
Does Tanka Fund have an API?
No public API is recorded for Tanka Fund.
What industry is Tanka Fund in?
Tanka Fund's product category is Indigenous Agriculture and Buffalo Restoration Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPADAOAB, Grantmaking & Philanthropic Funds (Institutional Donors), with a secondary code of AFACAJAL, Livestock & Herd/Flock Operations Management Advisory (Nutrition, Housing, Performance). Its NAICS code is 115210 and its SIC code is 200.