The Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) administers the State Shared Revenue Grants Program to distribute a portion of its gaming revenue directly to Arizona municipalities. This funding originates from Proposition 202, which mandates that Arizona tribes contribute 12% of their annual gaming revenue toward government services that benefit the general public. Since 2003, GRIC has provided over $90 million in funding through this program. These grants support public services in areas such as economic development, education, healthcare, public safety, and transportation.

The program primarily serves cities, towns, and counties in Arizona, with a preference for those in Maricopa and Pinal Counties and municipalities near the Gila River Indian Community. However, other Arizona municipalities may also be considered if their projects align with the grant's priorities. Nonprofit organizations and non-municipal public service entities (such as schools and fire districts) may apply but must partner with an eligible city, town, or county for application submission.

The 2025 grant cycle opens on January 1, 2025, and applications must be submitted electronically by March 31, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Applications should include a signed cover sheet, narrative, project budget, and budget details. Nonprofit organizations must also submit an IRS determination letter. Applications received before the final week of the submission window may be reviewed for completeness, while late applications will not be considered.

Applicants will be notified of their status in August 2025, at which point those moving forward must submit a municipal resolution from their partnering city, town, or county government. Final grant awards will be announced by October 25, 2025. The Gila River Indian Community reserves the right to determine award amounts and funding duration. First-time recipients typically receive one-year funding, while experienced grantees may receive multi-year funding.

Grants typically range from $1,000 to $300,000 for standard projects, with capital campaign grants of up to $500,000 considered in select cases. These funds must directly benefit the general public and cannot be used for indirect costs, administrative expenses, religious activities, or projects that solely benefit the Gila River Indian Community.

Applications are reviewed based on their alignment with priority funding areas and the feasibility of their proposed projects. The Office of Special Funding may request additional information, site visits, or progress reports throughout the grant period. For more details or assistance, applicants may contact Cheryl Pablo (Program Administrator) or Terri Enos (Secretary III) at (520) 562-9698, ext. 258 or email cheryl.pablo@gric.nsn.us and terri.enos@gric.nsn.us. The official application materials and submission guidelines can be found at www.gilariver.org.