Fort Wayne, IN – 3Rivers Credit Union has unveiled the eight nonprofit finalists for its annual Big Give initiative, a community‑focused grant program that will distribute a total of $225,000 to organizations that serve families, veterans, and children throughout its service area.

How the voting works

Public voting opened on Wednesday, October 21, and will run through Thursday, November 4. Residents can learn about each finalist and cast their vote on the 3Rivers Big Give website. The three organizations that receive the most votes will each be awarded a $75,000 grant.

Fort Wayne finalists

Four of the eight finalists are based in Fort Wayne:

• A Mother’s Hope provides housing and support services for pregnant women experiencing homelessness. The grant would enable the organization to open a second maternity home and cover staffing, programming, and operational costs.
• Blessings in a Backpack – Fort Wayne seeks to expand its Student Supplemental Feeding Program to an additional school, delivering weekend meals to roughly 600 more children during the school year.
• Miss Virginia’s Food Pantry plans to use the funding to increase food purchasing and distribution capacity, emphasizing nutritious options for the approximately 7,000 individuals it serves.
• The Shepherd’s House supports veterans facing homelessness and addiction. The grant would fund facility maintenance, updated computer equipment, and additional food supplies.

Other finalists across northeast Indiana

The remaining four finalists represent a broader regional reach:

• Abilities Indiana in Richmond, which assists adults with disabilities.
• Children’s Autism Center, serving families throughout northeast Indiana.
• Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity, working to expand affordable housing options.
• Heartland Families in Anderson, which helps single parents pursue higher education.

Each organization has submitted a detailed plan describing how the $75,000 grant would expand services, improve facilities, or strengthen programs that support individuals and families in need.

Why the Big Give matters

3Rivers Credit Union’s Big Give initiative reflects the credit union’s commitment to strengthening the fabric of local neighborhoods. By directing resources to nonprofits that address housing insecurity, food insecurity, veteran support, and educational opportunity, the program aligns with the community‑first values that drive both the credit union and its members.

Community members are encouraged to visit the Big Give website, review each finalist’s mission, and cast their vote before the November 4 deadline. The three winning nonprofits will be announced shortly after voting closes, and the grants will be distributed in early 2027.

Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.