Timeline
2011
Tamalpais Trust was founded as a twenty-year charitable lead annuity trust (CLAT) and registered in the state of California. Jaune Evans was hired as its first Executive Director, and together with the Trustee, developed the vision and grantmaking to support Indigenous-led organizations and networks around the world. Our original logo was painted by our very own Ann Whittemore.
A ceremony was held on Mount Tamalpais with Coast Miwok, Southern Pomo and other Tribal leaders to seek permission and a blessing to use Mount Tamalpais in its name and logo.
2012
Tamalpais Trust Fund was established as a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) at RSF to support Indigenous-led organizations
2016
Tamalpais Trust made its first loan to Oweesta Corporation. From there, Tamalpais Trust and Oweesta entered into an impactful partnership to make loans more accessible to lenders and borrowers in Indian Country across the USA, resulting in over $15MM in loan notes to over 30 native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). To date all loans have been
repaid.
The Seeds, Soil and Culture Fund was created in 2016 to support the transformation of local and regional food systems worldwide. Since transitioning to Indigenous leadership in 2020, we have continued funding food sovereignty with a focus on Indigenous foodways.
2012-2021
During its first decade, Tamalpais Trust supported a cohort of core partners with long-term general support. We now refer to these original grant partners as our legacy partners, and we recognize that these organizations were foundational to Tamalpais Trust’s first decade of grantmaking. They are part of our genealogy and global Indigenous network. By supporting these and other grant partners, Tamalpais Trust channeled over $25MM to Indigenous-led organizations, and an additional $8MM to Indigenous-aligned organizations. During the latter half, Tamalpais Trust began seeding and supporting Indigenous-led funds in an effort to relinquish decision-making over grants to Indigenous-led organizations.
2020
Tamalpais Trust’s transition to an Indigenous-led governance structure was initiated in a process co-led by Melissa Nelson (Anishinaabe | Turtle Mountain Chippewa), Kaylena Bray (Seneca | Cattaraugus Territory) and Kaimana Barcarse (Kānaka Hawai’i), collectively known as the Navigation Council of Tamalpais Trust. With leadership from the Navigation Council, Tamalpais Trust engaged in a transition period to shift grantmaking and programs in ways that aligned with Indigenous worldviews and ways of being, while also prioritizing ways to influence philanthropic ecosystems, movements, and systems. During this period, the Navigation Council decided to focus its grantmaking on its four geographic regions based on the Navigation Council’s deep relationships and networks.
The Navigation Council brought on board its first Elder-in-Training, Kalāmanamana Harman (Kānaka Hawai’i), to bring a youth perspective and to provide a young Indigenous person the opportunity for mentorship and learning within philanthropy.
2021
The Indigenous Knowledge Holders Fund was created in response to the United Nations’ proclamation of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages between 2022 and 2032. Jaune Evans served as its first advisor until she retired in 2023.
2024
After the transition period, Tamalpais Trust emerged with a co-leadership structure led by Melissa Nelson and Kaylena Bray. Melissa serves as Lead Navigator, while Kaylena became the first full-time Indigenous staff member as the Director of Relations. Kaimana Barcarse continues to serve as Tamalpais Trust’s Hawaiian Navigator, guiding grants in the Hawaiian Islands.
2025
The Rematriation Circle was established as an advisory body to Tamalpais Trust, expanding Tamalpais Trust’s circle of relations with a cohort of visionary leaders.
One Bowl: A Fund for Land Return took root in 2025 to support Indigenous communities in stewarding and strengthening place-based relationships with their homelands. We partner with communities and organizations at various stages of the land return process, recognizing that acquisition is only one step in a long arc toward restoring kinship with land and place. The fund awarded its first grant in early 2026.
2031 and Beyond
Tamalpais Trust’s work will continue after the original Charitable Lead Annuity Trust (CLAT) comes to an end in 2031.
Through our various Donor Advised Funds we will continue to support and strengthen Indigenous-led initiatives, organizations, and networks. If you would like to contribute to our efforts, visit our FAQs to learn how to donate to one of our Indigenous-led funds.