Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Awards Over $13.5 Million to 200 Impactful Charities

Tribe's 2025 grant cycle sets new benchmark for philanthropic giving

HIGHLAND, Calif., Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation (YSMN) announced more than $13.5 million in new grant awards – the largest amount awarded in a grant cycle to date. Funding awards support impactful programs across the Southern California region and the nation. Amidst a nationwide trend of decreased funding for charitable causes, the Tribe remains committed to supporting tangible impact across their Serrano Ancestral territory and Indian Country.

"For generations, the Yuhaaviatam have been devoted stewards of this land, extending care not only for the earth, but to all those who dwell and journey upon it," said Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. "In the early 20^th century during times of hardship, our Tribe was uplifted by the spirit of Yawa' -- acts of kindness from others. Today, we honor our ancestors' enduring legacy by giving back, supporting initiatives that uplift those living on our Serrano ancestral lands and Native American communities across the nation."

With a sharp increase in funding requests for the 2025 San Manuel Cares grant cycle, YSMN identified direct-impact projects that align with the Tribe's giving pillars and philosophy of principled philanthropy guided by the spirit of Yawa' -- a Serrano value that means "to act on one's beliefs." This year marks a record-breaking milestone with more funds awarded during a single grant cycle than ever before.

Among the many grant recipients are the Yurok Tribe, which received $500,000 to address the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP), and California State University, San Bernardino, awarded $2.5 million to recruit and prepare educators in response to the statewide decline in credentialed teachers.

Since the early 2000s, YSMN has invested more than $425 million through its San Manuel Cares program, championing initiatives that drive meaningful change. To learn more about the Tribe's giving program and giving pillars, visit SanManuelCares.org.

About Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation

Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation is a federally recognized Indian tribe located on the San Manuel Indian Reservation near Highland, California. The Tribe, formerly known as the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, proudly reclaims their ancestral name—Yuhaaviatam (pronounced "yu-HAH-vee-ah-tahm")— honoring the deep-rooted heritage and enduring legacy of their people. Exercising their inherent sovereign right to self-governance, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation is committed to providing essential services to their citizens by building infrastructure, maintaining civil services, and promoting social, economic, and cultural development.

As the Indigenous people of the San Bernardino highlands, passes, valleys, mountains, and high deserts, the Yuhaaviatam have called this region home since time immemorial and are committed to remaining a productive partner in the San Bernardino region.

For more information, visit sanmanuel-nsn.gov

SOURCE Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation