Thank you for your interest in applying for a Three Rivers Community Foundation grant. The Foundation recognizes the critical role nonprofit organizations play in supporting a healthy community. We value the important work that you are doing and recognize that our grants are important for your continued success.

Who may apply?

Any nonprofit organizations having recognition as a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code may apply for a grant through the Foundation.

When to apply?

Applications may be submitted all year, but to be awarded in the current year, all grant applications must be received by the Foundation by August 1 of each year. Incomplete applications will be rejected. Applications must be postmarked or delivered to the Foundation office no later than 4:30 p.m. on the due date. 

Steps in the application process

1. The Fund Distribution Committee reviews every proposal thoroughly. 2. The Committee consists of Directors and Advisory Board members and staff, and remains anonymous with respect to the community. 3. Meetings with the applicant or site visits may be arranged when needed to clarify understanding of the proposal and the organization. 4. The Fund Distribution Committee makes recommendations to the Foundation's Board of Directors who by law must approve all grant awards made by the Foundation. 5. All applicants are notified of the Board's action by December 1 of each year.

1. Grantees will be required to submit an application, as outlined under Grant Application Requirements. 2. Within 30 days, the grantees must send a letter confirming receipt of funds. 3. Grantees will be required to provide the Foundation a full report on the use of grant funds as soon as they have been expended but no later than one year from the date that grant funding was released. 4. In the event that conditions require you to make a change in your project, this must be reported and any changes in project activities or uses of funds must first be approved by the appropriate staff. 5. Any funds not spent for the specific purposes for which the grant was approved must be returned to the Foundation. Funds cannot be diverted to other uses without the Foundation's permission.

An application for a grant must include the items listed below. Please submit one copy of each. No binders, cover folders, or staples please.

1. Cover Letter

A cover letter signed by the organization’s Executive Director (or other personnel authorized to act on behalf of the organization).  The cover letter should include the basics of the grant request (who, what for, where, and how much) and the name, phone, and fax number of the person to contact with questions or to schedule a site visit.  If your application is accepted for consideration, a site visit may be made.

2. Project Description

A description of the project or program (no more than three standard single-side sheets of paper).  You should begin with the purpose of your organization. Then detail how the project or program fulfills your mission. Your description should respond to, and your project will be measured against, the following criteria:

a. The project addresses an important and timely community need.  (What is the goal of your project?  Is the goal consistent with the needs of the community?  Explain.  Who will be served by the project?  How many?  In what geographic service area?) b. The project is well-planned, feasible and likely to succeed at accomplishing its goal.  (How will the project be evaluated to determine if it is effective?) c. The project budget is realistic and the amount of funds requested is appropriate.  (What is the project budget?  How will the grant award be spent?  What other grants have you applied for and what funds are already received or pledged for this project?)

3.  A list of the organization’s Board of Directors.
4.  Letter of application signed by the Chair of Board.
5.  The organization's latest operating budget and financial statement.
6.  A copy of the latest Internal Revenue Service Form 990.
7. A copy of the Internal Revenue Service letter indicating tax exempt 501(c)(3) status.

The Foundation accepts draft proposals for review prior to formal application. All comments from the Foundation will be returned in a timely manner.

For more information regarding the application process, contact Carrie Green at (509) 735-5559, or carrie@3rcf.org.