The director of the Grande Ronde Tribes community fund said she is shocked by a decision that will delay all grant awards for a year.

The council voted to change the Spirit Mountain Community Fund's grant process to a yearly schedule. Previously, the fund gave out awards to support charitable causes every month. But the council said its compact with the state didn't require monthly payments.

Fund director Angie Blackwell, a tribal member, acknowledged tensions with the council but said she was surprised by the decision. Dozens of projects, from education to housing, were expecting funding but will have to wait until April 2005. The fund's board was scheduled to consider 35 projects this month but canceled the meeting in light of the development.

The tribes put 6 percent of net casino revenues into the fund. According to the Associated Press, the casino makes about $75 million a year, providing the fund with $4 million.

Get the Story:
Change in payments halts tribal contributions (AP 4/9)
Spirit Mountain Community Fund delays grant awarding process (The McMinnville News-Register 4/8)

Relevant Links:
Grande Ronde Tribes - http://www.grandronde.org