Yakama Cares FAQ

Yakama Cares Frequently Asked Questions

Applications for the non-Tribal non-profit organization can be submitted yearly to the Charitable Fund Committee from January 1 through March 31, and these funds will be distributed in May of each year. Below are some common questions about the Yakama Cares Program.

How do I know if my organization is eligible for a grant through the Yakama Cares program? 

  • An organization is eligible for consideration if it meets all of the following criteria:
    • Located in the State of Washington
    • Non-tribal
    • Bone fide non-profit non-profit and charitable organization with a 501c or 501(c)(3) status. Eligibility can be verified using the search tools on the IRS and Washington Secretary of State websites. 

How do I know if my organization will receive a grant from the Yakama Cares program? 

  • Annually, the Yakama Cares committee receives hundreds of applications that meet the criteria outlined above. The applications undergo multiple rounds of cuts before the final selection. The committee bases part of their selection on the areas of need in the community. Yakama Cares grant recipients receive a letter of notification in May. 

If my organization does not receive funding, will I receive a letter or any information? 

  • Yes. We appreciate the time applicants take to develop a grant proposal, and we respond to all applications with approval or denial. 

How do I make sure my organization is eligible for grant funding consideration? 

  • Review our website and submit an application that meets all qualifying criteria. 

I am a teacher, and I’ve submitted applications for funding in the past. Am I eligible or is my school? 

  • A school district is considered a tax-exempt government entity. It is not a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization. However, a PTA or Booster Club could qualify if the organization is a recognized charity with a 501(c)(3) status. 

Our fire station (or police station) would like to submit an application. Does our organization qualify? 

  • A fire district/station or police station is considered a tax-exempt government entity. It is not a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization. However, an affiliated Foundation or Booster Club could qualify if the organization is a recognized charity with a 501(c)(3) status. 

I still have questions. Who can I reach out to?

  •  In order to make sure all questions are answered in a timely manner, please email marketing@legendscasino.net with any questions. Please read the information above thoroughly before emailing, and please be advised that no changes will be made to eligibility based on inquiries.

Why was a change been made to eligibility for nonprofits applying to receive Yakama Cares grants? 

  • Yakama Cares is governed by the clauses addressing Charitable Donations in the Legends Casino Hotel Compact. The compact contains prescriptive instructions for all charitable disbursement programs including Yakama Cares. The committee responsible for reviewing, analyzing, and selecting grant recipients for Yakama Cares was recently made aware of a clause in the compact that states: Charitable Donations. One-half of one percent (0.5%) of the net win derived from Tribal Lottery System activities, determined on an annual basis using the Tribe’s fiscal year, shall be donated to non-tribal bone fide non-profit and charitable organizations in the State of Washington. For an organization to be eligible for a Yakama Cares grant, it must meet both criteria: non-profit AND charitable. This precludes tax-exempt government entities such as municipalities, fire departments, police departments, school districts, etc. 

Was this a change in the Compact? 

  • This was not a change to the Compact. Rather, the Compact language was clarified for the committee. 

What is a Compact? 

  • Tribal-state compacts are required for any Class III gaming on Indian reservations under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 (IGRA). Compacts allow tribal and state governments to come to a "business" agreement. Every casino in Washington state is governed by a compact, and the charitable requirements for each casino are detailed in their compact. 

Does this clarification apply to the Community Impact Fund? 

  • No. The Community Impact Fund aids larger projects that benefit the community as a whole. This fund is administered by an independent committee including representatives of Toppenish or Wapato, Yakima, the state gaming commission, the Yakama gaming commission, and Yakama Tribal Council.