SEATTLE, WA (December 9, 2024) |
BECU, Washington’s largest credit union, is granting $510,000 in total to 25 nonprofits as part of its People Helping People Awards. The annual awards program calls upon BECU members to nominate organizations that embody the credit union industry philosophy of “people helping people.” This year, BECU received over 1,000 nominations from its member and employee community.
“The People Helping People Awards embodies what it means to be a cooperative. Our impact is greater when we come together to support critical causes,” said Bryan MacDonald, BECU chief impact officer. “The organizations nominated by BECU members and employees this year are furthering important work in their communities to improve access to education and economic opportunity, improve health and wellness, and care for the environment.”
For more than a decade, the People Helping People Awards have been a way for BECU members to help direct the credit union’s philanthropy. Since 2020, the annual program has also included grants awarded through the Black Community Development Project, where members nominate Black-led nonprofits that are working to build capacity to deepen their work in the community.
This year’s awards include:
- Member Volunteer of the Year ($50,000): Ngozi Ezeokeke was selected as Member Volunteer of the Year for her service, guidance and leadership at AVELA - A Vision for Engineering Literacy and Access . As a result, AVELA will receive this funding to further their mission to engage underrepresented students interested in STEM fields.
- People’s Choice Award ($40,000): Wild Grief was selected by popular vote from the community. This organization provides free, guided programs in nature to grieving youth, families and people of all ages.
- Employees’ Choice Award ($30,000): Juma Ventures was selected by popular vote from BECU employees. The nonprofit strives to break the cycle of poverty by paving the way to work, education and financial capability for youth.
- Past Recipients’ Choice ($30,000): Dawson Place Child Advocacy Center was selected by popular vote among past People Helping People Award recipients. This organization provides safety, justice and healing to victims of child abuse.
- Black Community Development Project Capacity Building Grants ($150,000 to seven organizations): The Black Community Development Project is a five-year, $5 million commitment to improve the overall financial health and well-being of the Black community. As part of this commitment, BECU will award more than $21,000 each to seven organizations, including BUILD206, Community Carrot, KD Hall Foundation, Power of Two – Together We Overcome, A Sacred Passing, Seattle Professionals of the National Society of Black Engineers, and Leaders in Women’s Health through the Tacoma Urban League.
- Community Benefit Awards ($210,000 to 14 organizations): All other finalists will receive $15,000 each. Recipients include Bridge of Promise, Courageous Connections, Darrington Food Bank Association, Dispute Resolution Center of Kitsap County, Environmental Science Center, Feast World Kitchen, The Good Foot Arts Collective, The Here and Now Project, Pierce County Explorer Search & Rescue, Rainbow City Performing Arts, School Connect Washington, Seattle Special Education PTSA, Spark Northwest, and Tukwila Children’s Foundation.
The People Helping People Awards and Black Community Development Project are part of BECU’s broader philanthropic efforts. In 2023, BECU invested $8.4 million in hundreds of community nonprofits.
