Guided by values, Driven by purpose

Standing Rock Foundation

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Philipp exploring South Dakota with the Native Americans. Image by Sam Churchill

Introduction & Values

The Standing Rock Foundation is inspired by the intrinsic values and beliefs of Native American communities, particularly those of the Lakota Sioux — the tribe of the legendary leader Sitting Bull. Sitting Bull, a symbol of dignity and resistance, was tragically shot in 1890 and is buried near to the Standing Rock Reservation.
The Lakota people of North America follow a deeply spiritual and value-based way of life, rooted in harmony, respect, and connection to community and nature. These values form the foundation of our work:
 

Core Lakota Values

These values are not merely ideals but a way of life — a call to live in balance with others, the environment, and one’s inner self.

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Our Mission

The Standing Rock Foundation is committed to the following key goals:

Supporting disadvantaged children and youth by improving access to education, healthcare 
and psychological care, empowering them with opportunities for a better future. 

Preserving Indigenous cultures and traditions, protecting the identity and heritage of 
communities at risk of being forgotten. 

Responding to humanitarian and social needs, offering help where it is most needed. 

Promoting respectful treatment of nature and animals, particularly in equestrian sports, by 
supporting initiatives that ensure ethical and sustainable practices.

Background & Formation

The Foundation was established in spring 2025 following a powerful and emotional visit to Native American Reservations in South Dakota in October 2024. The contrast between the historical suffering and enduring spirit of these communities highlighted a need for action and solidarity. It was this experience that inspired the creation of the Standing Rock Foundation.

Milestones & Achievements

The Standing Rock Foundation was officially established in spring 2025 and was publicly introduced on 28 June 2025.

2025

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We look forward to sharing key milestones, impactful stories, and the progress of our initiatives — all of which will be documented here in the months and years to come.

Focus Areas

The Foundation supports carefully selected initiatives that reflect our core values and mission, including:

Lakota Waldorf School (South Dakota, USA) - preserving Indigenous culture by integrating Lakota language, values and traditions into holistic, Waldorf-based education.

Children’s Hospital Bethlehem (Bethlehem, West Bank, Palestine) - providing essential paediatric care and life-saving surgeries as the sole exclusively paediatric hospital in the West Bank.

Sands End Associated Projects In Action SEAPIA (London) - empowering children and youth through after-school programmes that combine education, creativity and sports.

Laureus (Switzerland) - using the power of sport to inspire and uplift disadvantaged children and young people across Switzerland.

One Nation Walking Together (Colorado Springs, USA) - delivering humanitarian aid and essential supplies to Native American communities across the western United States.

Bastifund - Bastian «Basti» Fernandez, supporting a young, polo-enthusiastic man whose life was changed by a serious medical condition.

James’ Place (UK) - providing life-saving, immediate mental health support to young men in suicidal crisis through professional, non-clinical environments. 

Impact & Stories

These stories reflect the real-world impact of our work and the positive change made possible by our partners and donors.

"We are so grateful for the funding received from Standing Rock Foundation. With your kind support, we can help men in suicidal crisis find hope for the future.  Your funding will help us to expand our free life-saving therapy to men in suicidal crisis, opening new centres to reach the men who need us most. Thank you from all of us at James' Place."

Martin Miller, Philanthropy Lead, James’ Place Charity

Get Involved

The Standing Rock Foundation relies on private donations and heartfelt generosity. If you'd like to support our work, we invite you to contribute

To donate, please contact: jac@lm.ag

Your support makes a difference:
Bank details:

Reichmuth & Co, Rütligasse 1, 6003 Luzern

IBAN

CHF CH47 0876 1155 6597 1200 1
EUR CH20 0876 1155 6597 1200 2
GBP CH63 0876 1155 6597 1200 4
USD CH90 0876 1155 6597 1200 3

Account holder:

Rütli-Stiftung Standing Rock Foundation, Rütligasse 1, 6003 Luzern

Get Involved
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We welcome inquiries from potential customers, partners, and collaborators interested in learning more about our polo team and exploring opportunities for engagement.

info@standing-rock.com
Use our contact form
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