Y Recieves 2% Grant from Tribe

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA was deeply honored yesterday to receive a $10,000 grant for the New Y from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians through its 2% Grant Program.

Here is more information about the 2% funding:

Tribal Council and Dusty Bear during presentation

PESHAWBESTOWN, MICHIGAN, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2011 –The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians is pleased to announce the distribution of $958,867.88 of gaming revenue allocation to local units of government.  The dollars have been allocated to 58 local applicants as a part of the Tribe’s “2 percent allocation,” which takes place twice per year.

Under the terms of a consent decree settling Tribes v. Engler (Case no. 1:90-CV-611, U.S. District Court, Western District Michigan), the Grand Traverse Band allocates 2 percent of its video gaming revenue to local units of government, as defined in the stipulation, no later than 60 days after October 1^st and March 31^st of each year.  This payment schedule was modified with the consent of the State of Michigan to July 31^st and January 31^st of each year because the fiscal year of the Grand Traverse Band’s gaming operation is calendar-based.

Since the 2 percent allocation began in 1994, the Grand Traverse Band has allocated $28,195,952.44 to hundreds of local organizations.

“The test for determining the distribution standards, as outlined in Tribes v. Engler are:  “Each tribe shall determine which local unit or units of government shall receive payments and the amounts thereof; provided however, the guidelines governing the tribes in making said determinations shall be based upon compensating said local units of government for governmental services provided to the tribes and for impacts associated with the existence and location of the tribal casino in its vicinity; and provided further, however…each local unit of government shall receive no less than an amount equivalent to its share of ad valorem property taxes…”

On January 25, 2012, the Tribal Council voted to determine which organizations would receive allocations.  Of the 100 applications received, totaling $3,040,951.44 in requests, the Council awarded 58 applicants for a total of $958,867.88.

The Grand Traverse Band will announce its first 2012 2 percent allocation in July.

It is with great pleasure that the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians is able to provide all citizens of northern Michigan with these services that are furnished solely by gaming revenues.