WELCOME TO PALMS CARES
Palms Casino Resort is the first casino resort in Las Vegas to be fully owned and operated by a Native American tribe under the leadership of San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (SMGHA). SMGHA and Palms are committed to creating change in the Las Vegas community through charitable giving.
We recognize the importance of answering the call of Yawa’ – to act upon one’s beliefs – in our commitment to support organizations helping to create a better tomorrow. We aim to make a positive impact in the lives of those in need and facing economic challenges in Nevada.
Read below to learn about our charitable giving program, how to apply for grants and the phases of the application process.
FEB 1 - MAR 31
Open Submission –
Applications are accepted
APR 1 - JUN 30
Program Officer
Review Period
JULY 1 - JULY 17
Executive Review
and Approval
JULY 30
Award Grants
Review our Program Pillars and Grant Guidelines to learn the programs and organizations SMGHA and Palms support, eligibility requirements to apply and the required documents needed to accompany a funding proposal.
PROGRAM PILLARS
We believe education creates a path to a better future.
Funding Areas:
- Support Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programming in local K-12 schools (public, private and charter).
- Support after-school programming to help students reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.
- Fund scholarship programs for high school and college students in need of financial assistance for tuition and education-related expenses.
- Support college access programs to expand education opportunities for underrepresented students to prepare them to enter higher education.
- Aid college and career readiness programs to prepare students for post-secondary education or training that can result in better job opportunities.
- Support community-based arts and music programming.
We support organizations that improve the quality of life for seniors, the underserved and the homeless.
Funding Areas:
- Support programs that provide basic needs to underserved communities and those at-risk.
- Support case management services and housing programs to address and prevent homelessness.
- Aid nonprofit organizations developing new strategies and competencies to increase their organizational capacity.
- Support programming efforts that increase the quality of life for senior citizens.
- Support projects that develop, preserve and/or rehabilitate accessible transitional housing.
- Assist nonprofit organizations that provide accessible civil legal aid.
- Support career pathway programs through workforce development and training opportunities.
We collaborate across Indian Country to ensure a bright, prosperous future for Indigenous people.
Funding Areas:
- Support revitalization and preservation of traditional language for Tribal communities.
- Assist programs that support cultural education through storytelling, traditional art and documentaries.
- Support cultural gatherings, heritage celebrations, cultural centers and tribal museums.
- Support programs providing direct services for missing and murdered Indigenous persons.
- Support for repatriation work that includes maintaining artifacts.
We partner with community nonprofits, Native-led organizations and local agencies that promote wellness and resilience within communities.
Funding Areas:
- Support direct healthcare services, including education, prevention and disease management.
- Support mental and behavioral health programs and services.
- Support programs and services that offer support to victims of domestic violence.
- Support programs and services that provide direct support to foster youth, abused and neglected children.
- Support programs that promote active and healthy lifestyles through physical activity and nutrition.
- Support disaster response and relief efforts that strengthen communities.
- Support emergency services and public safety programs.
- Programs and services directed to promote resiliency and support the health and well-being of our veterans and active duty members, along with military families.
- Conservation efforts and wildlife and environmental education.
*Palms Cares prohibits the funding of individual recreational teams and leagues.
GRANT GUIDELINES
- Nonprofit organizations and tribal governments providing direct services to Nevada. All programs and projects should align with the Giving Pillars.
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
- Organizations with a minimum of three continuous years of current tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code.
- Tribal and Nevada government entities requesting support for programs within our Giving Pillars.
- K-12 schools/districts, colleges and universities. One request per school will be considered per 12-month period.
- Organizations are only eligible to apply once per 12-month period.
- Organizations must demonstrate strong financial capacity and performance to be considered for funding.
- Organizations must have an established track-record that can demonstrate positive impact and progress toward desired goals.
If applying for a grant, the following documents must be submitted along with the proposal:
- IRS Tax Ruling Letter
- Current Signed W-9 Form
- Most Recent Form 990, 990N or 990EZ
- Financial Audit
- Organizational Budget
- Board of Directors List
- Confirmation of Secured Program Funding
- Project Budget on the Palms Template
- Signed Letter (schools, tribal and city governments only)
- Quotes/Bids (if applicable)
- National organizations that do not deliver services in our geographic area (excluding tribal organizations requests).
- Individuals for any purpose (e.g. scholarships, hardship assistance, field trips and beauty pageants).
- Grants are not made to organizations that discriminate against certain groups or individuals in the delivery of programs and services on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation or disability.
- Elections, political candidates or political campaigns.
- Fundraising dinners or events.
- Third-party funding and/or funding for redistribution to other groups.
- Organizations that spend more than 25% of their operating budget on administrative overhead and fundraising costs.
- Requests to fund the majority or total cost of a project. Diversification of funding is required for a request.
- Religious organizations seeking funding for religious purposes. Only religious organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation that seek funding for projects outlined in our Giving Pillars are eligible to apply.
- Booster Clubs. Clubs are encouraged to work directly with school principals on school applications.
- Capital campaign projects for sport complexes, gymnasiums, baseball fields, soccer fields, etc.
FAQs
Philanthropic Business of the Year: SMGHA, Palms Cares
Staying true to the cultural values of the tribe, San Manuel Gaming & Hospitality Authority is proud to uplift the communities in which it works. “Community encompasses interconnectedness, shared values, collective responsibility, and a shared vision for the local population,” said Latisha Prieto, chairperson of the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority Board. “Our value of stewardship requires that we take care of our people, land, animals, plant life, the environment and the various ecosystems that are part of this territory.”
To sign our legal waiver and access SMGHA's logo visit the page.