Church and community foundation create $100,000 endowment for Jefferson Elementary

The Richland School Board on Tuesday recognized Northwest United Protestant Church and the Three Rivers Community Foundation for creating a $100,000 permanent endowment to benefit Jefferson Elementary.

Board members praised the congregation’s decades of service and said the gift will generate annual grants for essentials such as school supplies, clothing, pantry items, hygiene products and extracurricular activities. The fund was established through the Three Rivers Community Foundation and is intended to provide perpetual support to Jefferson students.

"This endowment will provide annual grants for essential items and extracurricular opportunities, creating ongoing support for Jefferson students for years to come," the district said in its recognition remarks. A representative from the church, Candace Rawlings, was introduced by the board during the recognition.

Abby Cameron, chief executive officer of the Three Rivers Community Foundation, told the board the new fund is listed on the foundation’s website and community members who wish to contribute can search for the fund at 3rcf.org.

Board members said the gift is particularly meaningful because it comes as the church closes after years of service. The board noted the endowment is invested to grow over time so the annual distributions to Jefferson Elementary can increase.

The recognition was part of a larger segment of community acknowledgements during the meeting; board members encouraged attendees to contact the Three Rivers Community Foundation for donation information.