We are a government agency. Are we eligible for funding?
That depends. Our gaming compact with the State of Oregon mandates that only government agencies located in Polk and Yamhill counties are eligible for funding.
We are a small organization using a fiscal agent. What do we need to be aware of when partnering with them?
If you have a fiscal agent, you must submit all of the required documents using the information from that partner organization (who is actually our applicant organization). We need to have all of the required templates such as the organization budget, income statement, balance sheet, audited financials, board roster and IRS 990 from the fiscal agent organization because we consider them the applicant organization. Please visit our Policies, Procudures and Guidance page for our Fiscal Sponsor Guidance.
How do I know what category to select for my grant application?
If you believe your project may fit under more than one Spirit Mountain Community Fund category, select the category that best fits your project then write your project description to fit the category. There is no extra consideration for matching more than one category. At this time our categories are very broad.
Why does Spirit Mountain Community Fund only fund in specified counties and categories?
The Tribe's compact with the state of Oregon that regulates the operation of Spirit Mountain Casino designates the counties and categories that we fund. The compact also restricts our ability to fund government agencies to Polk and Yamhill County. A portion of the compact regulates the creation and operation of Spirit Mountain Community Fund.
How would I know if my project is of interest to Spirit Mountain Community Fund for funding consideration?
Thoroughly review the application guidelines on our web site. Then look at our past funding by revewing our grants page. After reviewing the information if you feel your project fits our funding criteria, submit a letter of inquiry. We currently use the letter of inquiry process to give the applicant feedback on the proposed project and budget.
What if my project won't be completed within 12 months from my Spirit Mountain grant approval date?
If your project is going to exceed the 12-month period allowed by Spirit Mountain Community Fund, you must contact our Director Shelley Hanson via email to request an extension. the e-mail should include: 1) the reason for the extension request, 2) any changes to the project scope or budget, 3) the time needed (cannot exceed 6 months), and 4) any other information that may be relevant to the extension request. Please answer these questions, but the request does not need to be lengthy. The Director will then determine if your organization will receive a grant extension or what the next best steps would be. Some extensions may require approval by our Board of Trustees, so it's best to contact the Director at least 30 days before the end of the Spirit Mountain grant period. Once a decision has been made on your extension request, one of our staff members will send you written confirmation on the decision on your request.
How many grants are accepted from any one organization? How often may an organization re-apply for funding?
One grant application per organization is considered within a 12-month period. After our initial funding, if you want additional funds, you must re-apply to the Spirit Mountain Community Fund with a new Letter of Inquiry and subsequent application. We do not "update" existing grant applications. If your grant application is declined, your organization may submit a new letter of inquiry for a different project within the 12-month period.
What if an organization has received a grant in the past?
If you have been a former recipient of funding from the Spirit Mountain Community Fund, your organization can re-apply for funds one year after the date of receipt of funds. We will not release new funds until we have received and accepted the final report from your other grant funding. Your application, like all others, will be reviewed according to our calendar. The Spirit Mountain Community Fund does not provide automatic funding or renewal of grants. Past funding is not a guarantee of future funding.
Can representatives of an organization make a presentation to the Tribal Council or the Spirit Mountain Community Fund Board of Trustees?
Due to the large number of requests and time constraints, we are unable to accommodate these types of presentations. At times, Spirit Mountain Community Fund staff may do site visits to learn more about your project. Due to the number of grants we award, we will not be able to visit each and every project that we fund.
Does Spirit Mountain Community Fund grant the full amount of funds requested?
Not necessarily. The Spirit Mountain Community Fund Board of Trustees reviews each grant based on its own merit. If an organization is seeking a certain level of funding, the Spirit Mountain Community Fund can provide all of the funding or a partial amount, which focuses specifically on one component of the funding request. For example: If an organization seeks $50,000 to assist in the entire operation of a program, Spirit Mountain Community Fund may approve 25% of the grant request. A general rule of thumb is that we do not like to fund more than 50% of a project, but again it depends on the nature of your project. Ask for what your project needs to be successful and let us decide what we are comfortable funding.
How important is it to match the needs of the grant application with the criteria of Spirit Mountain Community Fund?
Extremely important. It is very important that you clearly explain how your grant application fulfills the criteria. When it comes to the financial portion of the grant, please consult with your accounting firm. Grants without complete, current financial statements are not considered. A grant application that clearly details all of the questions set forth stands a better chance of advancing in the review process than one that leaves many unanswered questions. Do not leave blanks on the application. Being concise is also important. Tell us enough to understand your organization, your project and your ability to manage and successfully implement the project. Don't give us more information than we need but do complete each section on the application with the requested information. Be careful not to duplicate your information.
May I obtain a copy of Spirit Mountain Community Fund's annual report?
Yes. Please refer back to our home page and near the bottom of the page you will find a PDF format of the Annual Report that you can print.
How often does Spirit Mountain Community Fund Board of Trustees meet?
The board meets 4-6 times per year. Large grant requests are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Board of Trustee meetings are not public meetings.
Who are the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde?
Our Tribe was terminated in 1954 and restored in 1983. We have struggled to rebuild our community and to develop an economic base. While rebuilding, we recognized the contributions of many of our neighbors and friends. Spirit Mountain Community Fund is our way of giving back to those who worked with us to rebuild our reservation community and economy. Please click on the link at the bottom of the page for more information about the Tribe.
Are there specific targets by category and geographical service areas that get priority funding?
No. We respond to the grants received in each funding round.
Do you provide multi-year funding?
No
Does Spirit Mountain do site visits?
Yes, we do, but not all applicants should anticipate a site visit. The staff selects applicants for site visits based on whether or not we are familiar with your organization and project, or to give staff an opportunity to better understand your project. If selected for a site visit, Spirit Mountain Community Fund staff will coordinate and will send guidelines prior to the visit. A site visit is not indicative of funding.
Do I need to include recognition opportunities about Spirit Mountain Community Fund in my grant application?
No. While it is important to us to know about recognition of a grant, we will discuss this with your organization after you are offered a grant.