Since our federal recognition in 1969, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux (Dakota) Community has worked diligently to achieve a significant level of self-sufficiency and a meaningful level of self-determination. We utilize our resources from gaming and non-gaming enterprises to first and foremost meet our responsibilities to our Tribal membership. All internal infrastructure, including, but not limited to housing, roads, water and sewer systems, and essential services to individuals regarding education, health, and welfare are met by Tribal resources. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community also makes payments to city and county governments to cover the cost of services provided by those local jurisdictions to the Community. When our needs are met, we have the good fortune to assist others. There continue to be overwhelming unmet needs in Indian Country, and since it is our cultural and social tradition to assist those in need, the Tribal membership has authorized sharing financial assistance with other Tribes and Indian and non-Indian organizations through a charitable giving program. Each year the SMSC produces an annual donation report to highlight these donations.

SMSC Donation Guidelines

• All requests need to be in writing, addressed to the SMSC Business Council, and include a SMSC coversheet.
• Requests should be five pages or less.
• Requests should include a detailed description of how the donation will be used.
• Requests should also include a budget justification.
• Organizations located on reservations should include a letter of support from their local tribal council.
• If not a tribal government or a 501 (c) (3), a reliable fiscal agent is required.
• If further information is required you will be contacted.
• Requests are reviewed on a monthly cycle. Requests received in one month will be reviewed the following month.
• The review process can take up to a month or more on larger requests.
• Preference is given to requests from tribes of the Northern Plains and Minnesota region.

For further information please call 952-496-6138.

Please submit requests to:

• SMSC Donations
• 2330 Sioux Trail NW
• Prior Lake, MN 55372

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community will NOT consider the following types of requests:

• Beauty contest, modeling, talent, or beautiful baby contest sponsorship.
• Racing sponsorship of any kind.
• Adult sports team sponsorship.
• Music festival or other entertainment venue sponsorship.
• Rodeo sponsorship.
• People to People Ambassador sponsorship, foreign travel, or any other individual sponsorship.
• Newsletters with donation envelopes attached.
• Mass generated requests.
• Film production.
• Second or third party requests.
• Start-up costs.
• Small business grants.
• Fundraising through the sale of advertisements.
• Requests needed in less that two weeks.
• No Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community donation funds may be used for finders fees.