3Rivers Credit Union Foundation Grant

The 3Rivers Credit Union Foundation is a philanthropic initiative established by 3Rivers Federal Credit Union, a community-focused financial institution headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Since its inception in 2015, the Foundation has allocated over $2 million in funding to hundreds of nonprofit organizations across northeast, central, and east central Indiana, as well as St. Mary's, Ohio. The Foundation’s core mission is to improve community well-being through strategic investments in financial literacy, education, and health and wellness. These three priority areas reflect the organization’s holistic vision for empowering individuals and strengthening local communities. Grants from the Foundation are distributed quarterly and are exclusively available to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. Eligible organizations must serve one or more counties in the Foundation’s defined geographic service area. These include Adams, Allen, Auglaize, DeKalb, Delaware, Hancock, Madison, Noble, Steuben, Union, Wayne, Wells, and Whitley. Applicants must ensure that a minimum of 80% of the requested funds directly support local efforts to ensure significant, measurable community impact. Grant awards are intended to support specific programs that align with the Foundation’s focus areas and demonstrate clearly defined, measurable goals. While the maximum funding request is $7,500 per application, the Foundation notes that executive leadership retains the flexibility to award different amounts as needed. However, capital campaigns, endowment projects, general operating expenses, individual requests, debt reduction, political activities, and religious organizations are not eligible for funding. Organizations seeking support for capital requests are advised to contact the Foundation directly before applying. The application process is streamlined but must be completed in one sitting as the online form does not allow for saving mid-way. Therefore, applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their responses and documents in advance. Required documentation includes an IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, a current Form W-9, a board roster, a detailed program budget with projected outcomes, and the organization’s current operating budget. The application must be submitted at least 90 days in advance of funding needs. Deadlines for submission vary by quarter and are published on the online grant application portal. Once submitted, applications are reviewed by the Foundation Board. Grant decisions are typically announced within six to eight weeks following the submission deadline. Organizations that were not selected in previous cycles are permitted and encouraged to reapply in subsequent rounds, provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements and offer programs with specific, outcome-based goals. In addition to grantmaking, the Foundation supports community engagement through employee volunteerism and leadership development. Each employee receives two paid volunteer days per year and participates in an annual Give Back Day. Moreover, the Community LEADERS Program, launched in 2022, prepares staff to serve on nonprofit boards, reinforcing the organization's core values. These initiatives reflect 3Rivers’ broader commitment to social responsibility and civic partnership beyond monetary contributions.

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