The 2025 San Manuel Cares Grant Cycle is a philanthropic initiative led by the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation to support organizations that align with their strategic giving pillars and serve communities in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. The program also accepts applications from Tribal governments and Tribal nonprofit organizations throughout the United States. This annual funding opportunity aims to back educational institutions, governmental entities, and nonprofits that demonstrate positive community impact, strong fiscal management, and a clear plan for program execution and evaluation.
Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with at least three continuous years of tax-exempt status, Tribal governments, and educational institutions such as public, private, charter K-12 schools, and universities. Each organization is allowed to submit one request per 12-month cycle, and applicants must not be in a current grant term or have any outstanding reporting obligations. Notably, organizations based in Nevada must apply through the separate Palms Cares portal.
Applications were accepted from February 1 to March 15, 2025. The review process includes multiple stages: a first review in March, followed by a program officer review from April to June, executive review in July, and award notifications in August. Applications must be submitted digitally through the official grant portal. Paper or mailed applications are not accepted.
Required documents include the IRS tax ruling letter, March 2024 W-9, most recent Form 990, a financial audit or justification, an organizational and project budget (using the provided template), list of the board of directors, confirmation of secured funding, signed leadership support letters (for schools, tribes, and governments), and quotes or bids when applicable. Any missing documents will result in disqualification. All proposals must align with San Manuel’s giving pillars and must demonstrate diversified funding, with no request covering the total project cost.
The grant guidelines emphasize that national organizations without a local presence, individuals, political entities, events, third-party funders, and groups with high administrative overhead (over 25%) are not eligible. Religious organizations are eligible only if their projects are non-sectarian and community-focused. Applicants are encouraged to save their work, submit early, and respond promptly to all communications. All correspondence is sent via charitablegiving@sanmanuel-nsn.gov or the assigned program officer.
Ensure document alignment with budget; incomplete or multiple applications will be declined; respond to all communications.
