Morongo Band of Mission Indians Chairman Charles Martin said Monday the half-million dollars distributed by the tribe to more than six dozen nonprofit organizations throughout the Inland Empire was in recognition of their positive impacts.
“At Morongo, our commitment to giving has always defined our tribe as we help address societal needs, foster a sense of community and bring about positive change,” Martin said. “Our annual Community Outreach Awards program allows us to live our values by providing support to dozens of inspiring … organizations who selflessly serve others in need throughout the inland region.”
The tribe held its third annual Community Outreach Awards Luncheon in Banning Thursday, announcing the 79 recipients of grant awards for 2024. The total amount awarded rounded to $500,000, tribal officials said. All of the nonprofits are based in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
One of the groups on the list was the Riverside Police Foundation, which sponsors programs to encourage activities among youth that keep them off of the streets and out of trouble.
“We are grateful to the Morongo Band of Mission Indians for supporting our educational and sports programs that help create brighter futures and new opportunities for youth in Riverside,” foundation Board of Directors member Christi Rainey-Shellner said.
Another recipient was Moreno Valley-based Power Speaks Louder, whose founder, Brittany Hunter, said the $5,000 grant that her group received will “help us provide educational youth programs, social-emotional development, food outreach services, health and wellness resources and creative arts to underserved communities.”
Grants were additionally provided to Alzheimer’s Coachella Valley, Carol’s Kitchen of the San Gorgonio Pass, the Galilee Center in Mecca, Olive Crest of Palm Desert, Angel View of Cathedral City and others.
In 2023, $200,000 was disbursed to more than 70 organizations that provide various nonprofit services in the region.
“Over the past decade, the tribe has provided more than $20 million to support local and national nonprofit organizations that serve the San Gorgonio Pass and the surrounding regions, as well as greater Southern California,” according to a tribal statement.
Information on the 2025 Community Outreach Awards, including how to submit grant applications, is available at www.morongonation.org/donations/.