The Morongo remains one of the largest contributors to social and community good causes in the Riverside and San Bernadino counties
The fourth annual Morongo Community Outreach Awards Luncheon has seen the Morongo Band of Mission Indians in California distribute close to $400,000 in grants to various non-profit organizations in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, with the tribe continuing with its support for local communities through various engagements.
Morongo Band of Mission Indians Continues to Give Back to Communities
A total of 80 not-for-profit groups were awarded up to $5,000 for various services they render and need funding. The programs supported by these companies vary and have a social and educational element, as well as healthcare services and support for military and military families. Others focus on preserving Native American culture.
Since it launched in 2022, the Morongo program has already awarded more than $1.3 million in grants to over 300 different non-profit organizations.
Community leaders, such as Pastor David Kieffer from Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Banning, has expressed thanks to the tribe for its ongoing support, arguing that thanks to the Morongo tribe’s generosity, the charity had a chance to help further reduce homelessness in the neighborhoods it operates in.
Commenting on the initiative, Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin said:
“The Morongo Community Outreach Awards are about celebrating and supporting the life-changing work performed by dozens of remarkable non-profit organizations dedicated to the service of others across the region.”
Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin
Martin outlined the importance of the tribe’s giving-back culture and mentality, which focuses on supporting local communities and seeing them thrive.
“This support allows us to extend compassion and dignity to our neighbors in need and reflects the strength of community partnerships in addressing hunger and hardship,” Pastor Kieffer added.
The tribe has been involved in other local initiatives, with the tribe breaking ground on a $55-million healthcare facility located near Hathaway Street and Morongo Road, and due to open in 2026. Construction started in February.
Other charities and community leaders also stepped forward to thank Morongo for its involvement with their respective communities. Heidi Maldoon, Executive Director of Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert in Palm Desert, was among those.
Maldoon thanked the Morongo Band of Mission Indians for the generous grant extended to the charity and outlined the significant impact this would have on the children and families the non-profit serves.
