Philanthropic Business of the Year: SMGHA, Palms Cares

In December 2021, the San Manuel Gaming & Hospitality Authority acquired the Palms and reopened it for business in April 2022. Since the reopening, the casino’s philanthropic branch, Palms Cares, has awarded more than $4 million in grants to local nonprofits and Palms team members have donated more than 700 hours to partner organizations.

The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority and Palms Cares prioritize causes that support education, empowerment, the preservation of cultural traditions, and healthy and resilient communities. They have supported local organizations including Catholic Charities, CORE, Las Vegas Indian Center, Goodie Two Shoes Foundation, Noah’s Animal House, the Clark County Public Education Foundation, Nevada School of the Arts and Volunteers in Medicine Southern Nevada.

In addition to grants awarded to nonprofits, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has donated more than $10.3 million to educational institutions, including the UNLV Boyd School of Law and William F. Harrah College of Hospitality for programs in tribal law and tribal gaming operations.

Staying true to the cultural values of the tribe, San Manuel Gaming & Hospitality Authority is proud to uplift the communities in which it works. “Community encompasses interconnectedness, shared values, collective responsibility, and a shared vision for the local population,” said Latisha Prieto, chairperson of the San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority Board. “Our value of stewardship requires that we take care of our people, land, animals, plant life, the environment and the various ecosystems that are part of this territory.”