25 Years of Stewardship, Community, and Lasting Impact:

Reflecting on the relationships and values that have shaped 3 Rivers Community Foundation

For 25 years, 3 Rivers Community Foundation has served as a trusted steward of generosity in Benton and Franklin counties. In this anniversary video, founding board members, long-time supporters, and community partners reflect on the foundation’s beginnings and the shared vision that guided its creation: to establish a permanent philanthropic resource rooted in local values. Their reflections speak to the early commitment to careful governance, thoughtful stewardship, and the belief that generosity, when structured to last, can strengthen a community well beyond a single moment.

The video also highlights a defining characteristic of community foundations—their quiet, consistent presence. Rather than focusing on visibility or recognition, the work centers on relationships, trust, and long-term responsibility. From the foundation’s earliest days to today, the mission has remained steady: to support nonprofits, honor donor intent, and ensure that generosity continues to serve the community for generations to come. A community foundation is built on trust—trust from donors, nonprofits, and the community it serves. Our role has always been to steward generosity carefully, so its impact extends well beyond any one moment.