Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund is a philanthropic grant program established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon following the enactment of a tribal ordinance and a memorandum of understanding with the State of Oregon in 1999. The program was created to distribute a portion of tribal gaming revenues for charitable purposes, supporting communities within the Tribe’s service area and Native American organizations across the United States. Since its inception, the fund has distributed millions of dollars to a wide range of nonprofit organizations and public entities, reflecting the Tribe’s commitment to community investment, cultural preservation, and social well-being. The primary purpose of the fund is to support projects and activities that provide measurable benefits to communities. Eligible funding areas include education, health, public safety, housing, arts and culture, environmental preservation, substance abuse prevention and treatment, gambling addiction services, and other charitable initiatives. The program is designed to supplement existing funding rather than replace it, and it encourages applicants to demonstrate additional funding sources or matching contributions. While matching funds are not strictly required, strong applications often show a balance between requested funds and secured or anticipated contributions. Funding is generally awarded in amounts ranging from 150 to 10000 dollars, with an average award of approximately 5000 dollars. Requests exceeding 15000 dollars are discouraged but may be considered if justified. Funds must be used strictly according to the approved budget and within one year of receipt unless an extension is granted. Certain expenditures, such as general operating costs including salaries and administrative expenses, are typically not eligible. All funded activities must occur after the official award distribution date for the applicable quarter, ensuring that grants support future rather than past expenses. Eligibility is limited to charitable organizations and local governments operating within the Siletz Tribe’s designated service area, which includes eleven counties in Oregon, or to Native American organizations and activities anywhere in the United States that serve a population composed of at least 51 percent Native American participants. Individuals are not eligible to apply. The program does not require nonprofit status documentation, but applicants must clearly demonstrate their organizational capacity, community impact, and alignment with program priorities. The application process requires submission of a complete application form using the current template provided by the fund. Applications must be received by 4:30 PM on the stated deadline, and postmarked submissions are not accepted. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials one to two weeks in advance to allow for review and correction if needed. Applications can be submitted via email attachment, online portal, or physical delivery methods. Required components include organizational information, project description, budget details, and supporting documentation where applicable. The Advisory Board reviews applications quarterly and makes recommendations to the Tribal Council, with the review process typically taking around 30 days. Evaluation criteria emphasize community benefit, project feasibility, organizational capacity, and the extent of matching or supplemental funding. Successful applicants must comply with reporting requirements, including submission of an evaluation report within one year detailing project outcomes, expenditures, and supporting documentation such as receipts and photographs. Grantees are also required to attend an award distribution reception, publicly acknowledge the funding, and ensure funds are used strictly for approved purposes. The program operates on a quarterly cycle with fixed deadlines and corresponding award timelines. For example, in 2026, application deadlines occur in December of the prior year, March, June, and September, with awards distributed in February, May, July, and November respectively. This recurring structure allows applicants to plan submissions throughout the year. Notifications are typically mailed shortly after Tribal Council approval, and award distributions occur at scheduled receptions. The program continues to operate on an annual recurring basis with consistent quarterly cycles.

Submit early to allow corrections; ensure budget accuracy; demonstrate matching or additional funding; align project start date after award distribution; follow application formatting strictly