JACKSON, CA – Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort employees have contributed $99,480.33 so far in 2026 to local organizations and programs serving Amador County through voluntary payroll deductions to the Jackson Rancheria Employee Community Grant Fund.
Monthly grants have supported programs benefiting children, seniors, families, schools, youth athletics, animal welfare and public safety, among other community needs.
“What makes this program so special is that the generosity comes directly from our employees,” said Bob Lyons, General Manager of Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort. “Many of our employees live and raise their families right here in this community, and they are choosing to give from their own paychecks to help their neighbors. When you see what they have accomplished together, nearly $100,000 so far this year, it really speaks to their care for the community they call home.”
Employee-funded grants have supported scholarships for young athletes, swimming and water-safety programs for children, transportation and meals for seniors, veterinary assistance for families experiencing financial hardship, student resources and improvements to local athletic facilities. Other grants have supported a wildfire communications system for volunteer evacuation teams, a new children’s and teen area at the Jackson Library and hospice services.
Among the recipients is Volcano Lodge #56’s Bikes for Books program, which encourages children to read by recognizing young readers with bicycles.
“The grant from Jackson Rancheria made it possible for us to purchase bicycles for our 22-year-old ‘Bikes to Books’ program,” said Ken Hunt, an employee of Volcano Lodge No. 56. “As some of the traditional support for the program has declined, Jackson Rancheria’s support has helped us keep it going and expand the program to additional schools and keep it moving forward. We are even seeing former award recipients return to Amador County as teachers!”
The Jackson Rancheria Employee Community Grant Fund works with the Amador Community Foundation, which helps administer the grant process and connect funding with qualified local nonprofit organizations. Additional grant opportunities are planned throughout the remainder of 2026.
“What’s powerful about this program is what happens when our employees come together,” said Lyons. “A contribution from each paycheck may seem small on its own, but collectively those contributions are creating real opportunities and meeting real needs throughout Amador County. That is something our entire team can take pride in.”
