Discussion and possible action to adopt RES. 2025-58 Authorizing the City of Peoria to act as the pass-through municipality for local 501(c)(3) organizations seeking grant funding from Tohono O’odham Nation.

Proposition 202, passed with the 2002 Gaming Compact in Arizona, directs participating Tribal Governments to share gaming revenues with surrounding local governments. Nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) designations are the only entities eligible to compete for Indian Community gaming grants if they have a local government agreeing to serve as a pass-through agent. As a pass-through agent, local governments receive the grant award from the Indian Community and forward the amount to the nonprofit organization.

Benevilla, is a 501(c)(3) organization located in the City of Surprise, seeks $25,000 from the Tohono O’odham Nation to support tuition assistance scholarships for low-income families attending their Wirtzie’s Preschool and Childcare Program. Wirtzie’s serves over 150 children each year from West Valley cities including those that reside in the City of Peoria.

Staff have vetted this organization and their program request and recommends approval of this resolution.

There is no fiscal impact. Tohono O’odham Nation will transfer the funds to the City, which will manage the distribution to the entity in accordance with State law.