🌿 Bonsai Foundation (in formation)
Future-proofing Life
Mission
The Bonsai Foundation helps neurodivergent, special-needs, and at-risk youth and adults reconnect with nature, creativity, and community—restoring confidence, focus, and purpose.
Through a blend of outdoor adventure, art, and mindful technology, we create experiences that help participants rediscover balance and resilience.
Hiking, rock climbing, fishing, camping, snowshoeing, survival skills, art, and reflection all become tools for growth—showing that real progress happens when body, mind, and nature move together.
By bridging ancient principles of care with modern technology, we help each person uncover their Ikigai (sense of purpose) and live through Kaizen (continuous improvement).
Vision
We believe in a future where technology protects what’s delicate, not exploits it.
Where innovation and empathy evolve side by side.
Where children, creators, and communities learn to transform struggle into strength.
Like a bonsai tree shaped through patient care, our work cultivates resilience—helping individuals and systems alike grow with intention.
The Foundation stands at the crossroads of nature, education, and ethical technology, championing a world where humanity and innovation coexist sustainably.
Through our advocacy and storytelling, we advance the ideals of the GUARD Act, using AI and policy to protect children and restore trust in the digital age.
Core Programs
1. Nature Rehabilitation & Creative Connection
Immersive outdoor programs combining movement, art, and mindfulness:
- Outdoor movement: hiking, cycling, fishing, snowshoeing, survival skills
- Mindful arts: forest bathing, meditation, sound healing, creative writing
- Hands-on care: bonsai and terrarium workshops teaching patience and daily discipline
- Group reflection: journaling, storytelling, and habit-building in community
Each program shows that motion, creativity, and connection can restore joy and purpose.
2. Sensei Scholarship Program
The Sensei Scholarship empowers participants to practice discipline and creativity through journaling and art challenges within the Sensei app, developed by Jackalope Labs.
Scholarships reward consistency and personal growth.
All platform fees are waived, and equivalent value may be donated back to ensure 100 % of funds support participants directly.
3. Education, Media & Advocacy
We create media that connects hearts and policy:
- Teaching families and educators the power of nature-based rehabilitation
- Building community among neurodivergent youth and parents
- Promoting ethical, human-centered technology aligned with the GUARD Act
- Producing films and articles that spotlight recovery, resilience, and real stories
Our upcoming docu-series, Project Bonsai, will follow the fight to protect children from manipulative AI systems—bridging activism, art, and storytelling.
Governance & Structure
Current Proposed Board of Directors
| Role | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| President | Mason Lawlor | Co-founder, technologist, creative director, and co-host |
| Vice President | Mandi Furniss | Co-founder, director, special-needs programs, and co-host |
| Secretary / Treasurer | Joshua Furniss | Financial and administrative oversight |
| Advisory Board | Megan Garcia | Policy advocate, attorney, GUARD Act contributor |
| Advisory Board | Chris Do | Designer, educator, and media strategist |
(Titles to be confirmed at the inaugural board meeting.)
All operations follow transparent governance, conflict-of-interest disclosure, and market-aligned compensation for verified services.
Partnerships & Fiscal Sponsorship
We collaborate with aligned organizations through formal MOUs and fiscal-sponsorship agreements that ensure:
- Transparent funding and shared purpose
- No private benefit or conflict of interest
- Full compliance with charitable-use standards
Jackalope Labs serves as a technology provider for Sensei and may donate equivalent waived-fee value to the Foundation.
Expansion Plan
Our Utah pilot site—at Rock Cliff Nature Center near Jordanelle Reservoir—serves as the first Nature + Technology Rehabilitation Center.
Future sites will adapt this model nationwide, offering:
- Outdoor adventure and skill-building workshops
- Art, music, and writing programs
- Bonsai care and ecological education
- Community connection for special-needs and at-risk youth
Each branch grows from the same roots: nature, creativity, and mindful tech.
Financial Transparency
- Independent nonprofit banking and accounting
- Annual public filings (Form 990 / 990-EZ)
- Donor acknowledgment and tax-deductible receipts
- All funds directed to programs, scholarships, or advocacy
Invitation to Join the Board
The Bonsai Foundation emerged from the tragedies that inspired the GUARD Act—families fighting to protect children from exploitative AI systems.
We are building more than awareness—we’re building action.
As a founding board member, you will:
- Guide national AI-safety and child-protection policy
- Help shape nature-based rehabilitation and creative education programs
- Support production of the Project Bonsai documentary and outreach campaigns
- Serve as an ambassador for ethical technology and human-centered progress
If this mission resonates with you, join us in cultivating a future where technology preserves nature, and humanity thrives through care, creativity, and connection.