FORT WAYNE, Ind. — 3Rivers Credit Union is launching a $225,000 charitable initiative that will allow the public to help select three nonprofit organizations to receive $75,000 grants.
The Fort Wayne-based credit union said its new “Big Give” campaign will run from September through November and is designed to provide participating nonprofits with exposure in addition to financial support.
Applications opened Sept. 1 and will be accepted through Sept. 22 from eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations within 3Rivers’ service areas in Indiana and Ohio. Organizations do not have to be members of the credit union to apply.
The $2.9-billion 3Rivers will review the applications and select eight finalists. Each organization will have an opportunity to explain its mission and how it would use a $75,000 grant before the finalists are put to a public vote.
Three recipients will be announced in November, with each receiving $75,000, according to the credit union.
“At 3Rivers, our involvement throughout the communities we serve gives us a firsthand look at the incredible work local nonprofits are doing every day,” Regional Marketing Manager Katie Alyea said in a statement. “This is an opportunity to put significant resources behind these organizations while helping more people understand the work they’re doing and why it matters.”
Public Vote Designed to Boost Exposure
3Rivers said it structured the program around a public vote to give all eight finalists greater visibility among the credit union’s members and the broader community, regardless of whether they ultimately receive a grant.
“We know $75,000 can make a real difference for an organization,” Alyea said. “But there’s also value in helping more people discover these nonprofits and the work they’re doing. Some might even find a new organization to support.”
President and CEO Don Cates said the program builds on 3Rivers’ existing support for community organizations through sponsorships, events and volunteer work.
“As a member-owned cooperative, reinvesting in our communities is part of how we operate, not something we do on the side,” Cates said in a statement.
Cates said the Big Give is intended to provide nonprofits with both immediate financial support and broader awareness of their work.
Applications Open Through Sept. 22
Eligible nonprofits have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern time Sept. 22 to apply. Following the application period, 3Rivers will narrow the field to eight finalists and open voting to the public.
The Big Give extends the credit union’s existing charitable and community involvement across northeast, central and east-central Indiana and western Ohio, according to 3Rivers.
Founded in 1935, 3Rivers Credit Union serves more than 138,000 members through 24 branches and employs more than 500 people.
