3 Rivers Community Foundation (3RCF) Awards Over $330,000 in Grants to Local Nonprofits at Annual Celebration of Philanthropy Luncheon

On Tuesday, December 3rd from noon – 1:30pm 500 community members will gather at the Three Rivers Convention Center for the Celebration of Philanthropy. At this annual event, 3 Rivers Community Foundation awards their 2024 grants to local nonprofits and thanks the donors who make this giving possible. In addition, 3RCF will celebrate its 25th Anniversary.
 
Each year 3RCF begins accepting applications at the end of July from 501c3 nonprofits serving Benton and Franklin Counties. This process is open to organizations across sectors, ranging from food and housing, to arts and history, to animals and mental health, and more. The 3RCF Board goes through an extensive review process to determine which grants to fund. 3RCF works with donors to build a permanent community endowment which is invested so that a portion of the growth each year supports grant giving. “We are so pleased that thanks to strong financial management, along with the investments of new and exiting donors, our grantmaking capacity has increased steadily in recent years. This year is a new high of $333,788,” says Abbey Cameron, CEO of 3RCF.
 
This funding will support 67 grant awards, and each nonprofit receiving a grant receives two complimentary tickets to the event. “We want these hardworking nonprofit teams to come enjoy the event, network with their peers, and be celebrated by their community. Our sponsors make this possible, including premier sponsors Moon Security and Washington Trust Bank,” says Cameron. In addition to nonprofits, the event is also attended by donors, board members, and community members who come to celebrate philanthropy in action.
 
Limited tickets ($40 per person) remain, please call 3RCF at 509-735-5559. 3RCF Board Members and staff, as well as nonprofits may be available for interviews before and after the luncheon on request. Please contact [email protected] for availability.

​Why It Matters
3RCF plays a key role in supporting our community through grant funds and scholarships, aiding a wide range of needs and initiatives. Grant funding plays a vital role in local nonprofits having enough funding to implement their projects and programs.
 
Requests for funding exceed available grant dollars. In 2024 requests totaled $690,000 for $333,788 in available dollars. An increase in donations and endowments would help fund additional needs.

Quote from 3 Rivers Community Foundation’s CEO, Abbey Cameron
“As a grantor, 3RCF has worked behind the scenes for 25 years, supporting, and encouraging the work of our front-line nonprofit organizations. This work only happens with the support of donors who help build a community endowment that will support Tri-Cities now and into the next 25 years. 3RCF staff and board work diligently to provide the highest level of donor services, and to be a partner in local philanthropy.”