In honor of GivingTuesday, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians donated $1 million to eight Native-led and non-Native organizations on December 3. GivingTuesday, historically the Tuesday after Black Friday and Cyber Monday, is the largest day of philanthropic giving every year. These grants will support the recovery, conservation, and wildfire prevention efforts in areas impacted by recent wildfires, helping to strengthen the resilience of these communities and protect both the environment and the people who live there.
"Giving Tuesday is a day that calls upon us to reflect on the power of collective generosity," said Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. "We are honored to support our 2024 grant recipients in their efforts to rehabilitate lands affected by the recent wildfires and invest in the long-term health of our communities and ecosystems. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is deeply committed to preservation and stewardship of the cultural and natural resources of the region."
The Tribe donated to the following organizations:
- The Wildlands Conservancy—a $200,000 grant for clean-up and restoration efforts to Bluff Lake, severely impacted by the Line Fire.
- Mojave Desert Land Trust—$200,000 to support the design of a comprehensive fire management response plan.
- San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust—a $100,000 grant to aid the implementation of a seed bank; supporting collecting and growth of Native plants and trees after wildfires or other disasters occur.
- Center for Biological Diversity—$100,000 to support relationship-building between tribes, and lead land stewardship projects and advocacy projects to protect sacred sites.
- Victor Valley College Foundation—a $100,000 grant to support the Fire Fighter I academy, increasing the number of trained fire personnel.
- Arrowbear Lake Fire Department—$100,000 to help purchase emergency rescue equipment and make modifications to the existing station.
- Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians—$100,000 to purchase emergency rescue equipment.
- Apple Valley Fire Protection District—a $100,000 grant to purchase emergency generators for stations 332 and 334 to maintain operations during critical times.
