Executive Summary

Indian Paintbrush Farm Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization dedicated to healing the bond between humans, animals, and the Earth. Rooted in love and guided by Ojibwe teachings, the sanctuary provides a safe haven for rescued farm animals while offering educational and therapeutic experiences that promote compassion, sustainability, and respect for all life.

Mission Statement:
To steward and guide individuals and society toward a deeper respect for Aki (Mother Earth) and to share in the responsibility of nurturing all living things for the next seven generations.

Vision:
A world where humans live in harmony with animals and the Earth, guided by love, respect, and indigenous wisdom.

Core Values:

●    Compassion and respect for all life

●    Indigenous knowledge and cultural preservation

●    Environmental stewardship and sustainability

●    Education and healing through connection

●    Community collaboration and inclusivity

Organizational Overview

Legal Structure:
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

Location:
Indian Paintbrush Farm Sanctuary
6030 Pickerel Drive
Rockford, MI 49341

Founding Philosophy:
The sanctuary operates under the Anishinaabe teaching that healing and teaching are parallel paths. By caring for rescued animals and connecting visitors to the land, the sanctuary fosters mutual healing and understanding.

Current Residents:

●    Horses

●    Goats

●    Sheep

●    Pot-bellied pig

●    Cow

●    Ducks

●    Chickens

●    Turkeys

All residents have been rescued from neglect, abandonment, or slaughter and now serve as ambassadors for compassion and education.

Programs and Services

1. Animal Rescue and Sanctuary

●    Provide lifelong care for surrendered or rescued farm animals.

●    Offer veterinary care, enrichment, and natural living environments.

●    Share each animal’s story to raise awareness about animal welfare and ethical living.

2. Education and Outreach

●    Guided private tours highlighting animal stories and their natural behaviors.

●    Workshops on plant-based living, sustainability, and animal ethics.

●    Indigenous knowledge sessions on plant medicine, foraging, and ecological balance.

●    Partnerships with schools, universities, and community groups for educational visits.

3. Therapeutic and Wellness Programs

●    Forest bathing and mindfulness paths.

●    Sound therapy, yoga, meditation, and art workshops.

●    Healing retreats that integrate indigenous ceremony and spiritual connection.

4. Sustainable Agriculture and Food Education

●    Organic, non-chemical gardening and permaculture practices.

●    Harvest Room workshops on plant-based cooking and nutrition.

●    Greenhouse for year-round food production.

●    Foraging walks to identify native plants and their healing properties.

5. Habitat Preservation

●    Designation of land as protected wildlife habitat.

●    Restoration of native species and pollinator-friendly landscapes.

●    Wetland and forest conservation for ecological balance.

Future Development Goals

Forest Bathing Paths

●    Art, sculpture, sensory, and reflection areas

●    Enhance mindfulness and connection with nature

Ojibwe Sweat Lodge

●    Traditional healing and ceremony space

●    Honor indigenous practices and spiritual healing

Ceremony Tipi

●    Gathering space for cultural events

●    Support community and cultural education

Tiny House Cabins (12 units)

●    300 sq ft cabins with kitchenette and bath

●    Host guests, volunteers, and retreat participants

Preserve Pavilion

●    Covered outdoor structure

●    Group reflection, workshops, and events

Dock and Rowboat

●    Access to water for wild rice and cranberry harvest

●    Promote traditional ecological knowledge

Outdoor Garden Kitchen

●    Open-air cooking and teaching space

●    Support plant-based education and community meals

Greenhouse

●    Year-round food production

●    Sustainability and food security

Barefoot Sensory Stations

●    Textured walking paths

●    Mindfulness and sensory engagement

Wood-Fired Hot Tub & Sauna

●    Natural wellness amenities

●    Enhance retreat experiences

New Hen House

●    Repurpose the existing structure for smaller animals

●    Improve animal housing and welfare

Marketing and Outreach Strategy

Target Audiences:

●    Animal lovers and advocates

●    Indigenous and environmental educators

●    Wellness and mindfulness practitioners

●    Families and school groups

●    Volunteers and interns

Key Strategies:

●    Develop a strong online presence through the sanctuary’s website and social media.

●    Host seasonal events, open houses, and cultural gatherings.

●    Partner with local indigenous communities and environmental organizations.

●    Offer membership, sponsorship, and volunteer programs.

●    Create educational content such as videos, blog posts, and workshops.

Financial Plan

Revenue Streams:

●    Donations and sponsorships

●    Grants (animal welfare, indigenous education, environmental restoration)

●    Educational tours and workshops

●    Retreat and cabin stays

●    Merchandise and plant-based product sales

Projected Expenses:

●    Animal care and veterinary services

●    Staff and volunteer coordination

●    Facility maintenance and expansion

●    Educational materials and outreach

●    Utilities, insurance, and administrative costs

Sustainability Approach:

●    Focus on low-impact, renewable energy systems.

●    Reinvest surplus funds into land restoration and educational programs.

●    Maintain transparency through annual reports and community updates.

Partnerships and Community Engagement

●    Collaboration with Anishinaabe elders and cultural educators.

●    Partnerships with local universities for internships and research.

●    Engagement with environmental and animal welfare organizations.

●    Volunteer programs for community members to participate in daily sanctuary life.

Conclusion

Indian Paintbrush Farm Sanctuary embodies the circle of life and healing described in Ojibwe teachings. Through compassion, education, and stewardship, it strives to inspire a new generation to live in harmony with all beings. The sanctuary’s future vision—rooted and grounded in love—seeks to paint a world as pure and vibrant as the colors of the evening sunset.