The Snoqualmie Tribe opened applications to award one or more nonprofit organizations $50,000. The Tribe outlined several categories for which applications will be considered. These categories include nonprofits surrounding arts and culture, environmental education, family services, habitat restoration, senior services, Snoqualmie Valley community services or veteran services.

These charitable donations provided by the Snoqualmie Tribe began in 2010 and have since helped fund over 100 organizations. Since the inception of this annual funding cycle, the Tribe has donated over $12 million, said Jaime Martin, the spokesperson for the Snoqualmie Tribe.

KidVantage, an organization that uniquely compiles bags of donated clothes, toys, health goods and more for children in need, was one organization granted charitable funds from the Tribe.

Helen Banks Routon, director of development and community relations for KidVantage, said the Tribe has supported KidVantage for more than a decade through its annual funding cycle and has had a powerful impact in furthering their mission.

“We’ve used the funding to purchase essential care, health and safety supplies such as diapers, formula, or car seats,” Banks Routon said. “Their support has enabled us to welcome in community volunteers to sort and package orders, keep the shelves full, and the heat on.”

The Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank, which provides food for over 250 households each week, was awarded charitable funds from the Tribe last year.

Dylan Johnson, the operational manager at the food bank, said these funds, alongside the community donations, allowed the nonprofit to purchase essential foods like eggs, meat dairy and nutritional food options for students during school breaks.

“Purchasing additional food allows us to sustain our food supply throughout the year and increases the amount of food families get to take home each week,” Johnson said. “These efforts aid our neighbors in need and support local farmers and businesses, fostering a resilient community ecosystem.”

Organizations applying for these funds must be a 501-c-3 nonprofit — an organization deemed tax-exempt by the IRS — and must be within Washington state.

Martin estimated around 90% of awarded funds go to nonprofits within King County.

The Tribe will accept applications from Jan. 1 to March 31, according to the Snoqualmie Tribe website. Following the deadline, the Tribe will review applications and notify the nonprofits if they were or were not selected. Funding will begin in July.