Sovereign Energy
“At Sovereign Energy, we advance Tribal energy sovereignty as the fundamental right of Tribal Nations to govern, steward, and advocate for energy development rooted in Tribal values, knowledge, and responsibilities.”
1 funder on the record, 71 cents of every dollar to the work.
The work
What they do
Sovereign Energy describes itself as “led and operated by Indigenous women.” It advocates for Tribal energy sovereignty and the protection of sacred sites from energy projects that neglect or exploit Indigenous communities, and works across the Southwest with Tribal governments.
Every year they sign one sentence and file it with the federal government: “Sovereign Energy builds the individual and collective power of Southwest Pueblos and Tribes to lead the way toward a just, interdependent, and sustainable energy future.” as filed.
Where the money went, FY2024
The work, and what it cost
Energy Deployment
$194K, 43% of spendingThe Energy Deployment Program provides Southwest Pueblos and Tribes with curated tools, knowledge, and resources to help shape their own energy futures.
Including $13,500 granted onward.
Read it as they filed it
Energy Deployment. The Energy Deployment Program provides Southwest Pueblos and Tribes with curated tools, knowledge, and resources to help shape their own energy futures. By supporting Tribally-led, decentralized energy solutions, we help Tribal Nations design, implement, and manage energy systems that reflect their cultural values and long-term sustainability goals. Our work strengthens Tribal autonomy from external utilities, reduces energy costs, and builds resilient infrastructure to serve both present and future generations.
IRS Form 990 Part III, fiscal year 2024, signed under penalty of perjury.
Tribal Capacity Building
$69K, 15% of spendingMany Tribal Nations face considerable barriers to energy development, such as limited technical staff, complex regulatory environments, and inadequate access to funding.
Read it as they filed it
Tribal Capacity Building. Many Tribal Nations face considerable barriers to energy development, such as limited technical staff, complex regulatory environments, and inadequate access to funding. The Tribal Capacity Building Program addresses these challenges by providing Southwest Pueblos and Tribes with the legal, technical, and financial resources necessary to successfully manage, implement, and sustain energy projects. Sovereign Energy supports Tribes by offering strategic guidance, technical resources, and valuable connections to industry partners. Our goal is to equip Tribal Nations with the expertise and tools required to lead and sustain their own energy projects, building long-term capacity and resilience in the energy sector.
IRS Form 990 Part III, fiscal year 2024, signed under penalty of perjury.
Policy & Regulatory Advocacy
$59K, 13% of spendingSovereign Energy provides strategic support, resources, and connections to help Tribes effectively engage in legislative, administrative, and regulatory processes.
Read it as they filed it
Policy & Regulatory Advocacy. Sovereign Energy provides strategic support, resources, and connections to help Tribes effectively engage in legislative, administrative, and regulatory processes. Our goal is to create a policy landscape where Tribal-led energy solutions, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship are central to decision-making at all levels of government.
IRS Form 990 Part III, fiscal year 2024, signed under penalty of perjury.
Follow the dollar
71 cents of every dollar goes to the work
Read it as a snapshot, not a scorecard. Splits move year to year with grants and campaigns, and healthy shops live all across this range.
$321,843 programs, $126,569 management, $2,098 fundraising. Form 990, FY2024.
The backers
Backed on the record by Western Conservation Foundation, latest filing FY24.
The people
Who does the work
Honesty note: leadership comes from each year’s federal filing, so it can run a year behind. If it’s out of date, tell us. Work at Sovereign Energy? Claim this page.
Their ground
The places they defend
See every threatened place on one map, and who stands for each.
The New Mexico congressional delegation averages 92 of 100 on public lands. See the full scorecard
Ways in
How to help
Straight to their own donation page. Your dollar never passes through us.
Give on their site ↗SpeakComment and callOpen comment windows and call scripts for fights like these, ready to send.
Public Lands Action NetworkFollowWatch the mapEvery threatened place in the country, tracked, with who stands for each.
Threatened Lands MapStand with Sovereign Energy
The mission is theirs. The backing is yours.