Lummi Nation is inviting local charitable organizations to apply for contributions from the Lummi Nation Service Organization, which makes money available every year as a condition of the contract between the tribe and Washington state that governs tribal gambling operations.

The tribe says it has contributed more than $5 million in proceeds from its Silver Reef Hotel Casino Spa operation since 2003. That includes contributions to local governments as well as to charities.

Funding is available in five categories for 2013: smoking cessation, problem gambling, community impacts, charitable donations and community contributions. Applications are available on the Lummi Nation homepage, lumminationservice.org.

Organizations applying for contributions must provide proof of legal nonprofit status in Washington. The application deadline is Dec. 31, 2012.

Reach JOHN STARK at 715-2274 or john.stark@bellinghamherald.com . Read the Politics Blog at blogs.bellinghamherald.com/politics.