Coquille Tribe release - NORTH BEND – Nearly $100,000 in funds were distributed through the Coquille Tribal Community Fund to a total of 28 grant projects spread throughout five southwestern Oregon counties.  Grant recipients gathered in person at the awards reception at The Ko-Kwel Casino Resort | Coos Bay on February 5 to collect their checks. The tribe’s grants will help organizations fund projects in five categories: health, arts and culture, education, environmental, public safety, and historic preservation.  Since 2001, the fund has now distributed just under $9 million to over 1,075 grant projects.  The Coquille Indian Tribe established its Community Fund in the tribe’s tradition of sharing with its neighbors. The intent was to share some of the proceeds of what was The Mill Casino-Hotel, recently re-branded as The Ko-Kwel Casino Resort | Coos Bay, with organizations that benefit southwestern Oregon. The fund seeks to strengthen the communities by improving opportunities and lives throughout the region.  "It was exciting to see so many of our community partners come together,” Coquille Indian Tribe Chair Brenda Meade said after the event. “This event is really all about bringing people together and making sure they have the seed money to do these projects."  Victory Webber, with The Friendly Kitchen, was on hand to pick up a $2,000 grant award out of the $95,000 in total award funds being handed out. She said the Meals on Wheels program in Roseburg can greatly utilize these funds.  "We just appreciate so much the support we get from the Coquille Tribe.” Webber said. “It's just amazing."  The Coquille Tribal Community Fund accepts grant applications in the fall of each year. Learn more at www.coquilletribe.org, or call fund administrator Sam Black at 541-756-0904, ext. 1212.