office@3rcf.org

(509) 735-5559

7401 W. Hood Place, Suite 140

Kennewick, WA 99336

 

Memorial Funds

Establishing a Memorial Fund to Honor Your Loved One.

If you have recently lost a loved one, we extend our condolences. We understand that dealing with all the arrangements during a time of grief can be overwhelming. We want to make the process of establishing a memorial fund to honor your loved one as smooth as possible.

 

When a loved one passes away, many families and friends wish to create or contribute to a memorial fund in honor of their life. However, making the decision of what to support can be daunting during a time of loss. Memorial funds at 3RCF give you the time and flexibility to consider how to best represent your loved one’s passion and interest, while giving you an immediate place to direct gifts.

What Can Start Now.

Complete this simple form that will start the process of establishing a memorial fund. Call us at 509-735-5559 or email our organization at office@3rcf.org. 3 Rivers Community Foundation can provide a direct link to the Memorial Fund within one business day of receiving notification.

 

Communicate your loved one’s intent by including a statement in the obituary or memorial program to let friends and family know how to direct their gifts. Here are examples:

Memorial donations to the “John Smith Memorial Fund” can be made online at www.3rcf.org or mailed to 3 Rivers Community Foundation, 7401 W Hood Place, Suite 140, Kennewick, WA 99336.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the “John Smith Memorial Fund” at www.3rcf.org or mailed to 3 Rivers Community Foundation, 7401 W Hood Place, Suite 140, Kennewick, WA 99336.

What Can Wait for Later.

Families have up to one year to determine the charitable goals from the fund. 3RCF staff will keep in touch and are able to provide guidance and suggestions when requested. After one year if the family has not asked for additional time or cannot be reached the Memorial Fund will be added to the pool of funds for 3RCF’s next upcoming grant cycle to meet current community needs.

 

3RCF will send official tax acknowledgment to every fund donor. If you wish to send a personalized thank you, 3RCF will provide contact information for all donors (except those requesting anonymity).

How Does A Memorial Fund Work?

Donors may give online through a direct link to the fund, by check, or with appreciated stock (contact 3RCF for details regarding gifts of stock). The family may defer decisions on where to distribute the fund for up to one year. Memorial funds may be distributed to any qualified 501c3 and 3RCF encourages donors to direct at least part of the fund locally in Benton and Franklin counties (Tri-Cities, WA).

 

3RCF is a 501c3 and all gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. 3RCF handles all the administration for you, including donor acknowledgement. Donations are assessed a one-time 1.5% administrative fee when donations are received.

 

Memorial Funds that reach a balance of $25,000 are eligible to become endowed funds, creating a permanent legacy to carry on your loved one’s name and charitable wishes, invested to grow and distribute larger gifts over time. Endowed funds can support one or more designated organizations, a particular charitable cause, or scholarships. 3RCF can help with a customized plan to honor your loved one.

National Standards Accredited

3 Rivers Community Foundation accreditation with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations® indicates that we meet the most rigorous standards in philanthropy. This voluntary accreditation program establishes legal, ethical, effective practices for community foundations everywhere.