In a significant boost to community empowerment, the Three Rivers Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Three Rivers Casino Resort, announced a substantial distribution of $720,000 in grants during 2025. These vital funds were allocated among 60 deserving organizations throughout Oregon, underscoring a deep commitment to strengthening local communities and addressing critical needs across the state.
Established by the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, the Foundation’s core mission is rooted in reciprocity, channeling a portion of casino revenue directly back into the region. This annual reinvestment through community grants serves as a powerful testament to the Tribes’ dedication to fostering growth and stability within the diverse Oregon nonprofits landscape.
The breadth of impact from these philanthropy efforts is remarkable, spanning vital sectors from emergency services to youth development and essential needs provision. Fire departments across southwestern Oregon, from North Bend to Winchester Bay, are set to acquire new equipment, enhance training, and bolster volunteer support. Concurrently, youth-focused groups such as CASA of Lane County and Safe Shelter for Siuslaw Students are expanding crucial services, ensuring children and families receive the support they desperately need.
A celebratory luncheon, held on June 3 at the Three Rivers Casino Resort in Florence, served as a gathering point for representatives from all the recipient Oregon charities. This event not only facilitated the formal awarding of checks but also highlighted the collective spirit of these organizations working tirelessly to uplift their respective communities.
Jennifer Brown, Director of Generosity and Investment for Every Child Lane County, articulated the immediate impact of the funding, stating, “Thanks to support from the Three Rivers Foundation, we can provide essentials like bunk beds and car seat items that often go unmet, to over 60 children in foster care. This funding helps ensure kids have a safe place to sleep and makes it possible to keep siblings together in loving homes.”
Echoing this sentiment, Victory Webber, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Roseburg, expressed profound gratitude: “We’re incredibly grateful for their $15,000 grant, which will help us provide meals to more than 230 homebound seniors in Roseburg and Winchester. As demand continues to grow and funding becomes harder to secure, support like this is so great.”
Florence Police Chief John Pitcher emphasized the transformative effect on public safety, noting, “The Three Rivers Foundation awarded us $33,250 for five Flock cameras and two years of service. This technology is a major benefit to public safety and the safety of our community. It helps us track stolen vehicles, locate missing persons, and support investigations.”
Finally, Bob Teter, Executive Director of Siuslaw Outreach Services, shared the exciting prospect of a new initiative: “The Three Rivers Foundation has been so generous, and because of the funding, we will be bringing the Siuslaw Area Resource Center, a multi-agency resource and community center to Florence. Their $76,000 grant is a huge boost, helping make our five-year dream a reality by supporting cultural education and self-sufficiency programs.” This project exemplifies the long-term vision for community development that these grants facilitate.
