The Three Rivers Foundation, the charitable arm of Three Rivers Casino Resort in Florence, Oregon, awarded $850,000 in grants to 83 organizations across the state, continuing its mission of investing in programs that strengthen communities, support families, and improve quality of life in the region.
“This is one of the best times here at the casino, to see the smiles on everybody’s faces when we hand them the checks and announce their names,” Tribal Chief Doug Barrett of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians said in a statement. “It’s a proud day for the tribes and Three Rivers Foundation, for all the work that this money is going to do for the communities.”
Established in 2011 by the tribes, the Three Rivers Foundation has distributed millions of dollars to nonprofit organizations throughout Oregon, supporting programs and services that create lasting change in local communities. This year’s grant cycle represents one of the Foundation’s largest community investments to date, helping support organizations focused on public safety, youth services, housing, health care, food security, education, cultural preservation, and community development.
Triangle Food Box received an $8,000 grant from the Three Rivers Foundation to support programs that help families facing food insecurity in rural communities.
“Especially during COVID and ever since, I will say that the importance of our mission has become clearer,” said Triangle Food Box Board Secretary Bryn Tomlinson. “We have had a lot of opportunities to connect with these families, cry with them and celebrate with them, because these things really are life-changing in our area.”
At a luncheonat Th ree Rivers Casino Resort in Florence, nonprofit leaders gathered to celebrate the effect of the grants and partnerships that are helping strengthen Oregon communities.
The Florence Police Department received a $35,000 grant from the Three Rivers Foundation to buy speed radar signs and flashing stop signs designed to improve safety for residents and visitors.
“To be able to do all these things for the community, to provide these extras, to help protect them and provide them some different resources, we wouldn’t be able to do this without them,” said Florence Police Chief John Pitcher.
Organizations receiving support this year represent communities throughout Oregon, including Lane, Douglas, Coos, Curry and Lincoln counties.
“The Boys & Girls Clubs of Emerald Valley received a $10,000 grant from the Three Rivers Foundation to help expand its Bethel Clubhouse as it moves into the former Shasta Middle School.
“There’s such a need in our community for a safe place to be after school. These funds allow us to keep our prices intentionally low so that every kid who needs a safe place to be after school can afford it,” Boys & Girls Clubs of Emerald Valley CEO Shelly Ivey.
“We’re super excited to receive this grant and have the opportunity to do some focused investigations on property crimes here in West Lane County,” said Lane County Sheriff Cliff Harrold Wilkerson. “We’ve had a rash of burglaries and thefts, and with only one deputy assigned to West Lane County, it can be difficult to dedicate the extra investigative effort these cases require. This grant will help us fund overtime and focus on those property crimes that are impacting our communities. Grants are harder to get right now. Federal grants are extremely competitive, and state funding has diminished, so the opportunity to receive support from a local stakeholder like the Three Rivers Foundation is exciting.”
Barrett noted a lot of families are now having trouble making ends meet.
“So, if we can help with that, that’s a good thing,” Barrett said.
