Background And Geographic Scope

Like many Native American cultures, the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians has a long time-honored tradition of giving to their communities. To expand on their annual college scholarship gifts to local area high schools and their charitable contributions given throughout the year to numerous community organizations, the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation was created in October of 1997 by the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians to formalize another component in their tradition of giving.

Funding for the Foundation has been made available as part of a Tribal/State Compact signed in April of 1997. As a result, a percentage of net gaming revenues from the Seven Feathers Hotel and Casino Resort, located in southern Douglas County, is set aside annually to benefit local communities.

The Foundation makes grants for the benefit of the public within Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Coos, Josephine, Lane and Deschutes counties.

Foundation Purpose And Areas Of Interest

The mission of the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation is to offer assistance in youth education, strengthening the home and family, youth programs, and in general add to the quality of life for people in the community.

Eligibility Considerations And Requirements

Grants from the Foundation may be made to qualified non-profit tax-exempt charitable organizations in the above named seven counties and to local government bodies within Douglas County (in whose boundaries the Cow Creek Reservation is located).

The Foundation prefers not to be the sole source of support, or an on-going source of support for a project. Grants are not made to or for any of the following purposes:

• Individuals
• Projects of sectarian or religious organizations, or projects that benefit primarily members of religious organizations
• Projects seeking to influence elections or legislation
• Debt retirement or operational deficits
• General fund drives or annual appeals
• Organizations without a 501(C)3 tax status designation who are using another non-profit organization as a fiscal or umbrella agent.

The Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation makes grants up to $15,000. The Foundation prefers to make small grants that will make a real impact on the project or for the sponsoring program. Only one proposal per year will be considered from an organization that has received a Cow Creek Foundation grant for that year, unless the organization is a large multi-program service. A final report must be submitted by all grantees prior to reapplication.

Application Procedures

1. Review the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation's purpose and geographical area to determine if your charitable activity is within these guidelines.
2. Applicants must have received tax exempt status as stated in Section 501(C)3 and 509(a)1of the Internal Revenue Code, or their equivalent for public entities. The use of another organization as a fiscal agent for a project is not acceptable.
3. Review the FAQs page on the Foundation website.
4. Call foundation staff prior to proceeding.
5. Complete the grant application entirely. Do not exceed the space requirements for your answers on the grant application.
6. Submit ONE (1) original application with a single copy of a brief cover letter and the following material:
   1. financial statement from last completed fiscal year
   2. current detailed agency budget reflecting income sources and expenditures
   3. one page project budget showing projected income sources and expenditures
   4. list of officers and board members with their affiliations and phone numbers
   5. copy of 501(C)3 and 509(a) tax exemption letters from the IRS
   6. organizational brochure if available
   7. and TWO (2) copies of the completed application form with attached project budget only.
7. Proposals that are not complete in all respects at the time they are submitted will not be considered.
8. No receipt or acknowledgment of receipt of your grant proposal will be sent to you. If you desire a receipt, submit your proposal by United States mail, certified - return receipt requested.
9. During the grant proposal review process, Foundation staff may contact your organization or persons or organizations who have knowledge of your organization for additional information, if such contact is felt to be necessary and helpful to reviewing your proposal.
10. When the determination process has been completed, all applicants will be advised as to the outcome of their proposal requests. All decisions are final.
11. Grant awards are paid upon receipt of the signed agreement. Grantees must submit an annual report (unless otherwise specified) on grant activities and expenditures at the end of the grant period, and prior to any further grant applications to the Foundation.

Grant Deadlines

There are two grant application deadlines a year: March 1 and September 1. To be considered, a proposal must be postmarked by the deadline date. If the deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, the postmark may be the following weekday. Proposals sent by fax or e-mail cannot be accepted.

Final grant decisions will be announced approximately 12 - 16 weeks after each deadline. The Foundation cannot expedite a funding decision.

Because the Foundation is continually evolving and refining its processes and priorities, please contact the Foundation annually for new guidelines.

Contact

Please submit completed grant applications to:

Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation
2371 N.E. Stephens Street, Suite 100
Roseburg, Oregon 97470

Grantwriting and Technical Assistance Resources for Non-Profits

For more information, phone (541) 957-8945 or write Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation 2371 NE Stephens Street, Suite 100, Roseburg, Oregon 97470

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Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation © 2001-2006. All Rights Reserved.