The Hopi Foundation was founded in 1985 and incorporated under the State of Arizona as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization in 1987. Our basic mission is to Help People Help Themselves. The Hopi name Lomasumi'nangwtukwsiwmani, signifies the process of furthering unity of aspiration blossoming into full maturity over time. We believe in attending to the community in which we live and in the skills of our people.
 In Hopi society, women are considered fire keepers whose role is to preserve values, traditions and customs of the family. Echoing this tradition, two founding significant leaders of the Foundation are Barbara Poley and Loris Taylor, both "home girls" on the Hopi Indian Reservation in northeastern Arizona. Poley and Taylor joined the Hopi Foundation family in 1993 after serving as staff assistants to former Chairman Vernon Masayesva of the Hopi Tribe for 4-1/2 years. The first year of their 'employment' with the Foundation was partially unpaid until the two secured enough grants to pay for an accountant and projects first and then themselves. Over the years, the Foundation has tackled age old enemies of poverty, illiteracy, violence, and cultural erosion.
Mrs. Poley continues to lead the Hopi Foundation as Executive Director. Under her leadership, the Hopi Foundation has grown to a very active foundation managing ten different projects and several funds for the Hopi Nation.
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