Three Rivers Community Foundation
/OVERVIEW: This community funder supports Benton and Franklin Counties in Washington in the areas of health, human services, education, and the arts. It accepts unsolicited applications once per year.
IP TAKE: 3RCF wants to get to know its grant applicants and meet with grant seekers in person. It funds a wide range of issue areas.
PROFILE: The Three Rivers Community Foundation (3RCF) is located in Richland, Washington. It seeks to “strengthen and improve the quality of life in the Three Rivers Community by supporting and enhancing philanthropy and charitable activities.” The Tri-Cities are Richland, Pasco, and Kennewick, in southeastern Washington. 3RCF was established in 1999 by individuals in the community to support Benton and Franklin Counties. The first 3RCF grants were awarded in 2002.
The foundation has an unrestricted endowment that allows for annual grants, awarded in the fourth quarter of each year. Funding interests include health, human services, education, and the arts. 3RCF funds an average of $250,000-$300,000 in grants, scholarships, and designated contributions each year. In one recent distribution, 3RCF made 40 grants totaling $154,445. Over $2 million has been given back to the community overall.
There are at least 39 designated funds held at 3RCF, bringing the foundation’s assets to more than $2.7 million. The funder requires a minimum $25,000 donation to establish a named fund; 97.5 percent of all funds are used for charitable purposes (not administrative or investment fees).
Grants support a range of local nonprofits, including Grace Clinic, Communities in Schools of Benton-Franklin, Benton City Library, Domestic Violence Services, and the Lourdes Health Network. Other grantees include Women Helping Women, the White Bluffs Quilt Museum, and the American Legion Post #34. View more past recipients here.
The foundation also established a COVID-19 Response Fund to support relief and recovery efforts associated with the pandemic.
To apply for a grant, the organization must be registered in the state of Washington and serve Benton or Franklin Counties or the Burbank area. The foundation does not support capital campaigns, building construction, feasibility projects, endowments, or political or religious activities. The grant application deadline typically falls in September, with grants starting at $500 and most between $1,000 and $2,500; only a few reach the $10,000 to $20,000 level.
All applicants must conduct a 10-minute in-person interview. During this interview, grant seekers must provide a brief summary of their project and how it will serve the community. 3RCF also awards scholarships to local students.
Review foundation press releases here.
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