A California tribe just gave $13.7 million to 173 nonprofits — in the spirit of Yawa'

The Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation has finished its 2026 giving season with $13.7 million for 173 nonprofits across California and Indian Country, backing education, health, culture, and community programs. More than half the money — 57 percent — goes to organizations serving Native communities and Indigenous-led initiatives. The Tribe calls it Yawa', a Serrano value meaning "to act on one's beliefs" — the same generosity Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena says carried their ancestors through hardship. The annual San Manuel Cares cycle supports everything from classroom programs to cultural preservation, and a third of the grants went straight to Indian Country.