3Rivers Credit Union Names Big Give Finalists
The community will choose three nonprofits to receive $75,000 grants from a pool of eight finalists.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Philanthropy
Live Poll
Do you support using public community voting to decide which local nonprofits receive major grant funding?
3Rivers Credit Union has selected eight nonprofit finalists for its Big Give initiative, which awards a total of $225,000 in funding. Public voting now opens to determine which three organizations will each receive a $75,000 grant.
Why it matters
The Big Give initiative aims to provide critical financial support to organizations actively addressing community needs. Finalists have proposed using the funds to expand essential services, strengthen programs, or improve their facilities.
The initiative features eight nonprofit finalists competing for a total of $225,000 in funding. Three winning organizations will each be awarded a grant of $75,000 following a public voting period.
The players
3Rivers Credit Union
This financial institution provides a range of banking services and operates the Big Give initiative to support local nonprofits.
The details
Four of the eight selected finalists, including A Mother's Hope, Blessings in a Backpack, Miss Virginia's Food Pantry, and The Shepherd's House, are based in Fort Wayne. The remaining finalists comprise Abilities Indiana, Children's Autism Center, Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity, and Heartland Families.
Timeline
Public voting for the Big Give initiative begins on October 21, 2026.
Public voting is scheduled to conclude on November 4, 2026.
Market Landscape
This initiative follows a growing trend of corporate philanthropic programs using public voting to increase community engagement in the allocation of charitable grants. By involving the public, 3Rivers Credit Union deepens its local ties compared to traditional, donor-exclusive decision models.
Residents in Fort Wayne and surrounding areas can directly influence where $225,000 in charitable funding is distributed by casting their votes. Participating in the vote helps determine which local programs receive the financial resources necessary to serve the community.
The takeaway
Community participation remains the primary driver for these substantial grant awards. Residents are encouraged to review the finalist organizations to ensure their vote supports the mission that most closely aligns with local needs.
What happens next
Public voting continues until November 4, 2026, at which point the final three grant recipients will be determined.
Further reading
For more information on charitable efforts in the region, visit Fort Wayne Philanthropy.
Live Poll
Do you support using public community voting to decide which local nonprofits receive major grant funding?
