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3Rivers Big Give
Three nonprofits. Three $75,000 gifts. One opportunity to transform your community.
Applications open September 1
What is the Big Give?
The 3Rivers Big Give is a community giving initiative that supports local nonprofit organizations across Northeast Indiana. Created by 3Rivers Federal Credit Union, the program helps nonprofits share their stories, build community support, and compete for one of three $75,000 gifts to expand their impact.
From supporting families and veterans to creating opportunities for youth and strengthening our communities, participating nonprofits are making a difference every day. The 3Rivers Big Give shines a spotlight on their missions and inspires our community to learn more, get involved, and give back.
Because when more people know the story, more people become part of the impact.
Got Questions?
Big Give FAQs
Find quick answers about 3Rivers Big Give contest.
Who is eligible to apply for the Big Give?
To be considered, an organization must:
- Be recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3).
- Have operated continuously for at least two years.
- Be in good standing with the IRS and applicable regulatory agencies.
- Primarily serve communities within a designated 3Rivers service area.
- Submit a complete application and all requested documentation.
- Agree to follow the program requirements and Official Rules.
Does our organization need to be a 3Rivers member?
No. A 3Rivers membership is not required to apply, and membership status will not influence how an application is evaluated.
What happens if our organization is selected as a semi-finalist?
Semi-finalists will advance to the public voting phase and may be asked to participate in interviews, site visits, video production, photography sessions, or other promotional activities coordinated by 3Rivers.
Participation in required finalist activities is an important part of the program. An organization’s eligibility may be affected if it is unable to participate.
Does the public vote determine the winners?
Public voting accounts for a portion of each finalist’s overall score, but it is not the sole deciding factor. The remaining score is determined by the selection committee using established judging criteria.
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3Rivers Big Give Contest Rules & Regulations
The Big Give is a charitable giving initiative sponsored by 3Rivers Federal Credit Union ("3Rivers") that will award three (3) grants of $75,000 each to eligible nonprofit organizations serving communities within 3Rivers' designated service areas.
Program Timeline
The following timeline is anticipated for The Big Give. 3Rivers Federal Credit Union reserves the right to modify these dates at its sole discretion.
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Period Opens | September 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | September 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST |
| Application Review Period | September 23 – October 6, 2026 |
| Finalists Notified | October 7, 2026 |
| Finalists Announced Publicly | October 8, 2026 |
| Finalist Videos Due | October 16, 2026 |
| Public Voting Period | October 21 – November 4, 2026 |
| Grant Recipients Selected | November 13, 2026 |
| Public Announcement of Grant Recipients | November 13, 2026 |
| Award Presentation | November 17–18, 2026 |
3Rivers reserves the right to extend, shorten, or otherwise modify any dates or deadlines as necessary. Any changes will be communicated through official 3Rivers channels.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must:
- Be recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Have been in continuous operation for a minimum of two (2) years as of September 1, 2026.
- Be in good standing with the IRS and all applicable federal, state, and local regulatory agencies.
- Primarily serve communities within the designated 3Rivers Federal Credit Union service areas, including, but not limited to, communities located in the following counties: Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Delaware, Hancock, Madison, Noble, Steuben, Union, Wayne, Wells, and Whitley counties in Indiana, and Auglaize County in Ohio.
- Submit a complete application and all requested supporting documentation by the published deadline.
- Agree to comply with all program requirements and these Official Rules.
Ineligible Organization
The following organizations are not eligible to participate:
- For-profit entities
- Political organizations or candidates for public office
- Organizations whose primary purpose is lobbying activities
- Private foundations
- Individuals seeking personal financial assistance
- Organizations that do not maintain current 501(c)(3) status
- Organizations unable to demonstrate compliance with applicable laws and regulations
Application Process
Eligible organizations must complete and submit an official application during the designated application period. Applications must include information regarding:
- Organizational mission and impact
- Community need being addressed
- Intended use of grant funds
- Organizational capacity and sustainability
- Financial stewardship and accountability
- Any additional information requested by 3Rivers
Selection Process
Following the application period, a review committee designated by 3Rivers will evaluate all eligible submissions. Based on application scores, eight (8) finalist organizations will be selected and announced publicly. Finalists will advance to the public voting phase.
Public Voting
Public voting will be conducted during a designated voting period established by 3Rivers. Public voting will account for a portion of each finalist's overall score. The remaining score will be determined through evaluation by the selection committee using established judging criteria. 3Rivers reserves the right to verify vote validity and investigate suspicious voting activity. Any attempt to manipulate the voting process, including but not limited to automated voting, fraudulent voting, vote buying, or other activities deemed unfair by 3Rivers, may result in disqualification. All decisions regarding vote integrity shall be made solely by 3Rivers and are final.
Award Distribution
Three (3) grant recipients will be selected based on the combined scoring process.
Grant funds must be used for charitable purposes consistent with the recipient organization's mission and applicable laws governing 501(c)(3) organizations. Recipients may be required to provide updates regarding the impact and use of awarded funds.
Finalist Participation Requirements
Organizations selected as finalists may be required to participate in interviews, site visits, video production, photography sessions, or other promotional activities coordinated by 3Rivers. Failure to participate in required finalist activities may impact eligibility to receive an award.
Grant Use Requirements
Awarded funds must be used for the charitable purposes, programs, projects, initiatives, or operational needs described in the organization's application or otherwise approved by 3Rivers. Grant funds must be expended within twenty-four (24) months of receipt unless otherwise approved in writing by 3Rivers. Recipients agree to use awarded funds in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations governing nonprofit organizations.
Impact Reporting
Grant recipients agree to provide periodic updates and a final impact report to 3Rivers detailing the use of awarded funds and the resulting community impact. Recipients may be asked to provide photographs, testimonials, success stories, financial summaries, or other supporting information that demonstrates how the award benefited the organization and the communities it serves. 3Rivers reserves the right to use impact reports and related materials for promotional, marketing, public relations, and educational purposes. Future Eligibility of Grant Recipients Organizations selected to receive a Big Give grant award will be ineligible to apply for or receive additional Big Give funding for a period of three (3) years following the award date. Following the conclusion of the three-year ineligibility period, organizations may apply for future Big Give opportunities provided they continue to meet all eligibility requirements in effect at that time. Organizations that are selected as finalists but do not receive an award will remain eligible to apply in future years.
Publicity Release and Hold Harmless
By submitting an application, participating organizations grant 3Rivers Federal Credit Union a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the organization's name, logo, photographs, videos, application materials, and related information for promotional, marketing, public relations, educational, and other lawful purposes related to The Big Give without additional compensation. Applicants represent and warrant that they own or have obtained all necessary rights, permissions, licenses, and consents for any materials submitted as part of their application, including but not limited to photographs, videos, logos, written content, and other intellectual property. Applicants agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless 3Rivers Federal Credit Union, its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, and agents from and against any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses arising from or related to the organization's submission or 3Rivers' authorized use of submitted materials. Nothing in these Official Rules shall be construed as transferring ownership of an applicant's intellectual property to 3Rivers. Applicants retain ownership of their submitted materials, subject to the license granted herein.
Conflict of Interest
Organizations with board members, officers, employees, or representatives serving on the Big Give Selection Committee may be subject to additional review or disqualification to prevent conflicts of interest. 3Rivers reserves the right to make final determinations regarding potential conflicts.
General Conditions
3Rivers reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate The Big Give at any time if circumstances beyond its reasonable control affect the administration, integrity, or operation of the program. All decisions made by 3Rivers regarding eligibility, finalist selection, voting integrity, scoring, and grant recipients are final. Participation in The Big Give constitutes acceptance of these Official Rules.