The Seneca-Cayuga Nation has two significant sources of income. The first source is money we earn from Grand Lake Casino, Grand Lake Lodge, and the Seneca-Cayuga Tobacco Company. The second source of income is grants from the Federal Government. It is important to understand the difference between these two sources of income and how we can use them. 

Money earned from the Seneca-Cayuga Nation enterprises is allocated for benefits such as education, hearing, optical, and dental based on percentages determined by a General Council resolution. This money also funds all Tribal operations. 

Money from grants is an important source of income, but how we use this money is limited. Grant money is allocated to us by Federal agencies for very specific purposes and with precise guidelines. For example, the NAHASDA Housing Program is funded by a federal grant. The grant guidelines tell us exactly how the money is to be used, which is why you must live in the correct address areas to get NAHASDA money.

Because of these guidelines, we must collect and report specific information about how the money is used. If this information is not collected and reported to the agency that gives the grant, we risk losing the money. There is time and expense related to this reporting, but It is worthwhile for the opportunity to have access to the grant money. 

Grant applications have strict guidelines as well. Each grant has different requirements, rules, application dates, and lengths. Our team finds and applies for grants that the Seneca-Cayuga Nation is eligible for. We must follow all of the rules and regulations in order for our application to be considered.

The staff at the Seneca-Cayuga Nation do a great job administering the grants we have. It is hard work that requires managing a lot of details. We are thankful for the work they do!  We all have a part to play to maintain our access to grants. The most important way you can help is to make sure you completely and accurately fill in all the paperwork. Grant-funded programs often require more information than those funded with Tribal money. Keep in mind that this information is required by the agency that gives the grant. If we don’t collect all the information, we risk losing the funding.

We want every member of the Seneca-Cayuga Nation to have access to as many benefits as possible. Grants are one way we do this. For more information about all the benefits and services available to Seneca-Cayuga people, visit https://sctribe.com/benefits