YOCHA DE-HE COMMUNITY FUND
RUMSEY BAND OF WINTUN INDIANS
APPLICATION AND GUIDELINES
Guidelines
I. Introduction
The Native American values of giving and sharing and managing resources in a thoughtful way is
nowhere more apparent than in the foundation and operation of Rumsey’s Yocha-De-He Community Fund. Over the past decade, the fund has provided over $12 million dollars in financial support to more than 270 organizations involved in education, community health, arts and culture, environment, community development and social services.
The creation of this philanthropic fund was an unusual demonstration of partnership with the community. The Community Fund is recognized as one of the first to be established formally by an Indian tribe in California and is a leader in local charitable giving. The fund exists wholly independent from the Tribe’s obligations with Yolo County, and the Tribe receives no tax advantage for making these charitable contributions.
The Community Fund was established in 2000 by members of the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians as a philanthropic branch of tribal government. The fund provides over $1 million annually to non-profit organizations to strengthen regional programs and services in Yolo County and surrounding areas.
The Yocha De-He Community Fund is administered by an executive director, with oversight and direction provided by the Yocha De-He Community Fund Board, a branch of the Tribal Government of Rumsey Rancheria, and the Tribal Council.
The goal of the Fund is to provide support and encouragement to non-profit organizations which, through their worthy efforts, improve the quality of life for members of Rumsey Rancheria and residents of Yolo and Sacramento Counties.
II. Areas of Funding
The Yocha De-He Community Fund has been established to support:
- Education
- Community Health
- Arts and Humanities
- Environment
- Community Development
- Social Services
III. Eligibility
- Applicants may be either public entities or nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Private foundations as defined under Section 509(a) are not eligible to apply.
· Have at least three years operating history.
· Priority is based on the perceived overall benefit to communities in Yolo and Sacramento counties.
· An organization may apply only once a year, regardless of whether or not it is funded.
The Fund generally will not make grants for:
- Individuals
- Loans
- Debt Retirement
- Costs Previously Acquired or Implemented
- Purchase of Tickets to Benefit Events
- Influencing Legislation or Elections
- Fundraising events; Sponsorships
- Athletic events
- Groups or organizations that will re-grant the fund’s gift to other organizations or individuals.
- Religious organizations unless the gift is designated to a program that is secular in nature and benefits a broad range of the community (e.g., soup kitchens and homeless shelters). Additionally the program must have a formal mission and separate budget and staff.
IV. Application and deadlines
Organizations must fill out the Yocha De-He Community Fund application, Applications submitted in other formats will not be accepted.
One (1) copy of the application should be submitted on or before the deadline by mail or in person. Faxed or emailed applications will not be accepted.
The Yocha De-He Community Fund Committee meets quarterly to consider applications and make funding decisions.