EARLIER DEADLINE FOR COQUILLE TRIBE'S GRANT PROGRAM
Community Fund Applications Close August 31, 2004: Funding Pool of Almost $400,000

North Bend, OR – The Coquille Tribal Community Fund, a foundation established by the Coquille Indian Tribe to support nonprofit organizations in Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson and Lane counties, has announced an August 31, 2004 deadline for applications. The pool of available funding for the next grantmaking cycle totals $399,393.00. Applications are presently being sought from qualified organizations.

The Fund emphasizes projects in the areas of education, health, public safety, arts and culture, problem gaming treatment/prevention and historic preservation. In January 2004, 35 recipients—as diverse as Florence Food Share, the Powers Rural Volunteer Fire Department, Consumer Credit Counseling and the Lane County Boys & Girls Club—shared in over $210,000 dollars in grant funding.

"The Coquille Tribal Community Fund was established so that the Tribe can provide projects in our area with significant support," commented Michele Burnette, Chairperson of the Fund's Board of Trustees and a Coquille Tribal Member. "This formal grant process has helped us identify the strongest projects so that our grant dollars have the strongest possible impact." Burnette added that high local interest in last year's program has spurred this year's earlier deadline of August 31, 2004. "We received so many compelling applications last year, we felt we needed the extra time in order to give every incoming application the fullest possible consideration," she explained. Grant awards will continue to be announced in January following the year of application.

Information packets for the Coquille Tribal Community Fund are available by contacting the Fund Administrator at communityfund@themillcasino.com, or by phone at 541.756.8800 or 800.953.4800, extension 515. A detailed letter of inquiry is required before a qualified agency is invited to submit a complete application, so applicants are urged to act promptly to allow themselves sufficient time for proposal preparation. Grant applications must be received by no later than August 31, 2004.

The Coquille Tribal Community Fund reflects the commitment of the Coquille Indian Tribe to take a proactive, positive role in the well-being of the community. Collectively, the Tribe is the second-largest employer in Coos County, Oregon, managing not only The Mill Casino • Hotel but also business ventures in assisted living, organic cranberry farming and telecommunications.