Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra, Enfield Soccer Association and Master’s Manna voted as winners of American Eagle’s ‘Cash Back to the Community’ program

East Hartford, CT (April 21, 2025) |

 American Eagle Financial Credit Union’s (American Eagle FCU) signature Cash Back to the Community program just awarded $9,011  to three local nonprofits, as it does every quarter, bringing the total amount of member-generated giving to $547,000 since it was first created in 2020.

“With every swipe of an American Eagle FCU credit or debit card, our members are helping to support nonprofit organizations that help sustain the communities we serve,” said American Eagle FCU President & CEO Howard Brady. “As Connecticut’s largest community credit union, this has become our marquee giving program.”

Once each quarter, American Eagle FCU donates one percent of its credit and debit card interchange income—the fees paid for credit and debit card transactions—to three nonprofit organizations in its service area. Under the program, American Eagle FCU members and the public, are given the opportunity to nominate and vote for the organizations, where the top three vote-getting organizations are then awarded the Cash Back to the Community funds.

In this quarterly round of the Cash Back to the Community program, the following three organizations received $9,011 apiece:

• The Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra, Bristol

The Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra is a professional orchestra providing classical music concerts and musical services for Connecticut communities.  The Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra, collaborates with local schools and school systems to strengthen school music programs through performance.

“Compelled by the need to build the next generation of music lovers, Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra plans to expand the Children’s Music Program over the next few years with this generous gift,” said Jeffrey Myshrall, President. “A core program of the orchestra is its annual Educational Children's Concerts produced for elementary children from area school systems. These concerts serve up to 3,000 children. The Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition is available to high school musicians participating in the music programs of school systems in Hartford and Litchfield Counties.”

• The Enfield Soccer Association, Enfield

The Enfield Soccer Association (ESA) focuses on developing youth soccer players of all abilities in a safe, fun, and positive environment. With more than 1,000 youth in their program, they strive to provide players with a high level of coaching by incorporating the best training available. ESA is also driven to help its players mature as productive members of society by encouraging the development of important life skills, motivating them to be the best version of themselves.

“In order to allow participation from families from a wide array of economic backgrounds, the Enfield Soccer Association aims to keep participation fees low. We rely heavily on sponsors and donations to help supplement our programs,” said Jeff Rousseau, President.  “We have families in Enfield that can't afford costs associated with playing soccer.  The Enfield Soccer Association will use portions of this donation to help defray costs for Enfield families that have experienced financial hardships. Additionally, we will plan on using portions of this donation for community soccer events, coaches training, and player training. The Enfield Soccer Association is very appreciative of this generous donation from American Eagle Financial Credit Union.  This donation will positively impact our membership in very meaningful ways.”

• Master’s Manna, Wallingford

Master’s Manna was established in Wallingford in 2006 to serve people experiencing homelessness, near homelessness, as well as low-to-moderate income families and residents who face food insecurity in the greater Wallingford/Meriden area. Its primary goals include: reducing food insecurity, providing intervention, mental and physical health support services, and making vocational & educational opportunities available to decrease poverty.

“This generous donation will enable us to continue to provide needed food for more than 500 families each week,” said Nancy Stockman, Executive Director.

The nominating period for the next quarterly round of Cash Back opens on Monday, April 21, 2025 and will remain open until May 11, 2025, with voting to occur from June 9-22, 2025 and winners announced in early July. American Eagle FCU members and the public can vote for the organizations by visiting AmericanEagle.org/Learn/About-AEFCU/Community-Involvement/cashbacktothecommunity