Thursday, January 28, 2010
The economic downturn weighed heavily on the Coquille Tribal Community Fund's board of trustees, as the group gave most of its annual money to programs that provide food, housing and health services to those in need.
Nearly 100 groups applied for a total of $1.6 million, but the fund didn't have that much money.
At its annual meeting, the board agreed to give $294,000 in grants to projects at 46 area nonprofit organizations and public agencies. The board focused its giving on programs directed toward individuals and families who were adversely affected by the regional and national economic downturn.
"It was on everybody's mind. But it isn't a departure from what we've normally done," said Fund Administrator Julia Willis. "It's always been a priority of the board to fund food banks and also public safety and public service programs."
The fund provided $82,475 to 14 organizations operating food pantries, senior meals programs, community gardens and children's nutrition. Board members provided an additional $27,000 for housing and health care programs. Those included the Ecumenical Emergency Food Cupboard, several of Oregon Coast Community Action's programs, the Mental Health Association of S.W. Oregon and the Women's Safety & Resource Center.
About 54 requests went unfunded.
"A lot of the groups weren't fully funded so we could spread it out," Willis said. "They try to spread it out as much as they can. They made hard decisions. There were groups that didn't get funded that were worthy."
The board gave another round of funding to the Coos County Historical Society's Waterfront Museum with a $70,000 grant -- the highest funded among the recipients. Grants totaling more than $30,000 were provided for the arts and art education programs.
While four more organizations will receive funds than in 2009, and 11 more than 2008, the total fund is hundreds of thousands of dollars lower than in those prior years. In 2009, it gave $590,000 and $685,000 in 2008. Willis explained that the fund comes directly from casino revenue.
"It means it's lower," she said.
Mill spokesman Ray Doering said the fund receives 6 percent of the casino's income from gaming.
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 nearly $3.5 million to support charitable efforts in the region. It supports nonprofit and governmental organizations with projects in the areas of education, health, public safety, problem gaming, environmental issues, arts and culture and historic preservation.
For organizations wishing to be considered for the next round of funding, the deadline for applications is Aug. 31. For information, visit the Fund Web site at http://www.coquilletribalfund.org.
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