Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Named One of the Top Grantmakers in Minnesota
Prior Lake, Minn. – Giving more than $29 million worth of grants in 2012, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community was named the 13th largest grantmaker in Minnesota by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. A total of $1.28 billion in grants were donated by the top 25 Minnesota foundations and grantmakers in 2012.
“As Dakota people, we have a strong tradition and culture of helping others,” said Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Chairman Charlie Vig. “We feel very blessed to be able to give back to our community in meaningful ways.”
Throughout the year, the tribe donated to education initiatives, health and human service programs, local governments, American Indian tribes and causes, and other charitable organizations. Highlights include:
$15.7 million to American Indian tribes across the country
$2.2 million to 95 schools and organizations supporting youth education
$1.8 million to local governments, including $450,000 to fund park improvements in the City of Prior Lake and $17,000 to fund specialized training for Scott County law enforcement officers
$743,000 to 71 organizations which provide social, medical, preventative or public services to their constituents, including the St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Gillette Children’s Hospital Foundation, and Children’s Foundation.
47 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) valued at nearly $73,000 through the Mdewakanton LIFE Program
Other top foundations include Target (1), General Mills (2), the Greater Twin Cities United Way (6), 3M (15), and Best Buy (16).
About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Indian tribe located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. With a focus on being a good neighbor, good steward of the earth, and good employer, the SMSC is committed to community partnerships, charitable donations, a healthy environment, and a strong economy. The SMSC and the SMSC Gaming Enterprise (Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and Little Six Casino) are the largest employer in Scott County. Out of a Dakota tradition to help others, the SMSC has donated nearly $272 million since 1992, including more than $152 million to other tribes, tribal organizations, and American Indian causes.