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Coquille Tribal Community Fund Announces 2007 Grant Recipients
55 Community Organizations Share $634,148
January 18, 2007 North Bend, Ore. – Projects at 55 area non-profit organizations and public agencies are moving forward with more than $634,000
in grants distributed by the Coquille Tribal Community Fund.
The Fund's Board of Trustees announced grants totaling $634,148.88 were provided to programs and projects to enhance public safety, social services, educational
opportunities, health services and economic development in a five-county region of southwestern Oregon.
The Coquille Indian Tribe established the community
fund in 2001 as a way to share profits from The Mill Casino • Hotel with community organizations.
Since its inception, the fund has distributed close to $2 million to support charitable efforts throughout the region. “A practice of sharing with neighbors was central to the life of the traditional Coquille people,” said Ed Metcalf, Coquille Tribal Council chairman. “Our
current commitment to sharing our bounty with regional non-profit organizations and agencies, and thus serving the needs of our South Coast neighbors, comes
from the same spirit that has guided our people for thousands of years.”
This year, grant awards ranged from $1,000 to $100,000.
“Organizations throughout the region presented us with many creative and highly promising projects during the past year,” said Michele Burnette, chair
of the fund's board of trustees. “We are pleased to provide the financial resources needed by people who are dedicated to improving life in our corner of Oregon.”
The largest grant, $100,000 went to the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport for a project to move utility lines underground and provide landscaping for the
project area. This is the second year a grant of this size was issued for a regional economic development project. The City of Coos Bay received a similar
grant in 2005 for its industrial development efforts on the North Spit.
Investments in public safety again were a focus with a grant of over $80,500 to the Dora-Sitkum Fire District for improvements to the fire hall, library and
community center. Other public safety grants went to the Charleston Fire District, Coos Bay Police Department, North Bend Fire Department and Rogue Valley
Search and Rescue.
The Fund also contributed to the ongoing effort to provide food to needy residents and homebound seniors in the region. Six area food banks received grants
totaling $30,000 to purchase food along with another $9,500 to help with food storage and delivery.
The Coquille Tribal Community Fund supports non-profit and governmental organizations with projects in the areas of education, health, public safety, problem
gaming, environmental issues, arts and culture and historic preservation. Funds, derived from a percentage of revenues from The Mill Casino • Hotel,
are managed and distributed by a board of trustees comprised of community leaders, a gubernatorial appointee and representatives of the Coquille Indian Tribe
and the Coquille Economic Development Corporation.
The fund reflects the commitment of the Coquille Indian Tribe to take a proactive, positive role in the well-being of the community. The Tribe is among the
largest employers in Coos County, and, through the Coquille Economic Development Corporation, manages The Mill Casino • Hotel and RV Park along with
business ventures in assisted living, organic cranberry farming and high-speed telecommunications.
For organizations wishing to be considered for the next round of funding, the deadline for applications is Aug. 31. For more information, visit the Fund Web
site at www.coquilletribalfund.org .
CONTACT: Ray Doering, CEDCO communications coordinator, (541) 756-8800, ext. 243, rdoering@themillcasino.com . |
