Our members trust us with their money. In turn, we increase community financial capability, confidence and caring where our members live, work and play. BECU's philanthropic efforts are on track to pay dividends for generations.
Teaching Money Smarts
Whether you're saving for a rainy day, a new home or retirement, BECU assists you on your financial journey through financial education and programs.
We empower our members — and the wider communities we serve — to build money-savvy habits and strategies through a variety of engaged, interactive learning strategies.
Teens
When it comes to learning about finances, it’s never too early to start. Adopting good habits at an early age can have a positive impact on the way a young person handles money down the road. In 2022, over 4,800 high school students learned practical money-management tools and tricks through BECU seminars and webinars and Financial Reality Fairs.
The way BECU presented the lesson was fun and engaging. I was able to follow along with the lesson easily and even contribute to the discussion. I learned a lot in a short amount of time.” — Anonymous High School Student
Adults
Another 3,300 adults received free financial education access, including webinars, seminars, in-person sessions and online modules from our partners at EVERFI. BECU financial educators, employees and BECU Investment Services offered presentations, as did advisors such as Russell Investments, BlackRock and Hartford Funds. Topics included information for:
- First-Time Homebuyer
- Building Credit
- How To Read Your Credit Report
- Tips for Teaching Kids Financial Responsibility
I loved it! The presenters were wonderful and great fountains of information. I cannot believe it took me so long to sign up for one of these. Thank you BECU for offering these!” — Anonymous BECU Member
Giving to Community
We wisely invest and collaborate in strategic programs that create financial skills, access and stability for individuals and families in our communities.
Our commitment to financial well-being and equity was boosted last year through $8.5 million in funding to community partners. Here’s how we gave back to our communities:
Building Next-Gen Leaders
BECU funds nonprofit organizations building future wealth through providing job training, nurturing entrepreneurs, encouraging college pursuit and teaching financial resilience.
Our financial health philanthropic funding is specifically focused on the following key areas:
Here are a few examples of the meaningful programs we supported, all focused on improving access to postsecondary education, workforce development and/or financial literacy:
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry, South Carolina: This nonprofit organization's BIG Beyond Scholar Program uses a one-on-one, curriculum-guided e-mentoring approach to prepare high-potential African-American scholars for life after graduation. After completing high school, scholars move into a postsecondary program or work development opportunity.
Your Money Matters Mentoring: The Auburn, Washington-based financial education and literacy program connects money mentors and young people, while filling gaps in existing financial programs. Within economically vulnerable, low-income communities and local schools, the Money Mindsets program helps mentees explore money-related attitudes, culture, choices, values and emotions.
Evergreen State College: Transformational liberal arts college that uses a holistic model of education that gives students the option to co-design their education model. BECU provides funding to help ensure students can complete their college education by providing quick-cash emergency personal expense relief funding.
Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC): Tacoma, Washington’s APCC provides a wide range of services, programs and activities for Asia Pacific people from 47 different countries. BECU provides funding to support entrepreneur development focused on Asian cuisines and K-12 education completion for high at-risk Samoan youth. Many programs are free or very low cost. APCC brings people together in the spirit of acceptance and understanding, helping to build a stronger, healthier, more vibrant community for present and future generations.
YearUp: The organization works to close the Opportunity Divide with equitable access to the skills and education necessary for a career launch into banking, business, financial operations, IT or software development. With over 30 campuses across the U.S. and more than 40,000 young people served, YearUp's grads take home an average starting salary of $52,000/year.
Giving to the Black Community
Community Equity Commitment: We prioritize community investments with a racial equity focus to address financial and racial inequities in our communities.
We're in year three of a five-year, $5 million commitment supporting nonprofit organizations through the Black Community Development Project to improve the Black community's emotional, physical, and financial health and well-being. Each Black-led nonprofit employs a multicultural staff representative of the communities being served. Here's how we’re giving back.
Nonprofit Capacity-Building Donations
Six grassroots nonprofits were given grants of nearly $21,500 each, all of whom were nominated during BECU’s annual People Helping People Awards program. The 2022 nonprofit recipients include:
SWS Fund | Blessings From My Heart To Your Table | Free Flo Fit | Young Black & Brilliant | Tiplus Washington | Doing It, Does It
Community Impact Grants (Invitation Only)
Our second year of funding (at $72,500 per year) went to nonprofits focused on financial stability, resilience and education for the Black community's financial health. Approaches include education and workforce development, wealth-building, credit repair and homeownership, encouraging entrepreneurship, and supporting unbanked or underbanked communities.
Corporate Social and Credit Union-Inspired Projects
In 2022, our Black Future Co-op Fund partnered with the Seattle Foundation for a $200,000 statewide effort aimed at eradicating poverty, supporting criminal justice reform, building generational wealth, preserving Black culture and celebrating the Washington Black community's incredible resilience.
For a third year, we also granted $100,000 to the African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC), a nonprofit organization comprised of African-American professionals, volunteers and members working to increase diversity within the credit union community.
Thanks to BECU, we can provide educators across the country with quality antiracism training led by some of the brightest minds across the country, free-of-charge. This would not have been possible this year without the generous support of BECU.” — Educators for Antiracism, BCDP nonprofit recipient
Giving Inspired by You
Since the People Helping People Awards program launched in 2013, BECU donations have totaled more than $3.5 million to over 160 local nonprofits.
In 2022, more than 1,000 nominations poured in from BECU members for nonprofits in the Puget Sound region and Spokane, Washington, as well as Idaho, Oregon and South Carolina. BECU members then voted to help us grant $525,000 to more than 60 nonprofits at our 10th annual awards extravaganza. Thank you for your nominations and votes — and don't forget to participate again this year.
Shaun Glaze was selected as Member Volunteer of the Year for their service with The Silent Task Force, which works to heal systemic domestic violence's impact in Black families and communities through culturally specific education and trainings.
Community popular vote selected Whidbey Environmental Action Network.
BECU employees chose Empowering Youth & Families Outreach by popular vote.
Past PHPA recipients voted to award Washington CASA this honor.
For previous award recipients that work together on a shared project:
- Seattle Rep and Young Women Empowered partner for Y-WE Speak, allowing youth to tell their stories and create community through regular classes, group dinners, field trips and Seattle Rep performances.
- Inside Health Institute and Friendship Adventures partner to provide health and wellness programs for adults with disabilities to improve quality of life, independence and health outcomes.
- Young Women Empowered and Bike Works partner to facilitate fun, adventurous and reflective learning experiences for Seattle-area BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ youth.
This year’s People Helping People Award recipients represent the best of our community, working diligently and tirelessly to address issues that our members care about, including education, equity, child welfare and the environment.” — Tom Berquist, BECU’s Chief Marketing Officer
Generating Housing, Eco-Solutions and Education
The BECU Foundation is expanding beyond our previous scholarship focus and introducing new-in-2022 grant programs to drive innovative, compassionate solutions.
Supporting Housing and the Environment
Whether in a single-family home or on our shared Earth, housing and habitat are critical for human health and wealth. An invitation-only proposal submission process powered our two inaugural grant programs in BECU’s service areas: Housing Stability Grants and Green Equity Initiative Grants.
Housing Stability Grants
We awarded $870,000 in grants to help keep people in their homes. The funding will go toward many services, including:
- Mortgage or rent payment assistance due to loss of income and/or owing back mortgage.
- Foreclosure or eviction prevention and diversion counseling.
- Landlord-tenant mediation.
- Case management (as part of housing stability).
- Legal services or attorney fees related to foreclosure or eviction proceedings and maintaining housing.
- Specialized services for individuals with disabilities or seniors.
- Fair housing counseling.
Homeowner Foreclosure Prevention ($100,000 each)
- Northwest Justice Project: Provides free legal assistance to address fundamental human needs such as housing, family safety, income security, healthcare and education in Washington state.
- Rebuilding Together South Sound: Repairs homes and nonprofit facilities in Seattle’s South Sound.
- SNAP Financial Access: Delivers financial education, training, consultation and access to loans to help entrepreneurs and first-time borrowers succeed in Spokane, Washington.
Renter Eviction Prevention ($100,000 each)
- Byrd Barr Place: Offers essential services such as food, shelter, warmth and financial tools for neighbors in Seattle’s Central District to build stability and self-sufficiency.
- El Centro de la Raza: Builds community in Washington state through unifying all racial and economic sectors, organizing and defending the basic human rights of vulnerable and marginalized populations, and bringing critical consciousness, justice, dignity and equity to all the peoples of the world.
- Housing Justice Project (King County Bar Association): Provides free legal help to renters in King County, Washington who are at risk of eviction.
- Multi-Service Center: Addresses the causes and barriers of poverty and homelessness in Federal Way, Washington with comprehensive and holistic services that help lift people from crisis and vulnerability.
- Solid Ground: Works to end poverty and undo racism and other oppressions that are the root causes of poverty in Seattle.
In addition, the following seven nonprofits each received $10,000 to support the general operation of their organization:
Thousands of miles away in Midland, Texas, the nonprofit Rebuilding Together began as neighbors helped their neighbors repair homes. In 2001, a local affiliate launched home first aid for low-income seniors, people with disabilities and families with children who live in Pierce County, Federal Way, Washington, and Auburn, Washington.
Rebuilding South Sound has rehabilitated more than 1,200 homes and nonprofit facilities, involving more than 10,900 volunteers giving 108,000 hours. Volunteers install wheelchair ramps, perform critical home repairs and repair training for women in need, and tackle emergency repairs and home modifications, such as heating, plumbing, window or roof repairs.
Provide or get hands-on help: https://rebuildingtogetherss.org/
Green Equity Inititative Grants
Nine local nonprofit organizations received grants between $50,000 and $150,000 to increase sustainability, boost environmental and climate justice, develop clean, renewable energy, and nurture innovative solutions via small business development. In total, we gave up to $865,000 in total to nine organizations for these creative programs:
Addressing Climate Change
- Washington Wild: Produces 15 three-to-five minute video interviews with tribal elders and leaders in collaboration with This Is Indian Country.
- EarthGen: Expands climate science education and action for Washington state K-12 students through technology.
- Our Climate: Prepares young people across Washington state to become powerful climate advocates through a structured curriculum.
Elevating Circular Innovation
- Refugee Artisan Initiative: Diverts coffee bags from landfills through artistic upcycling.
- Bike Works: Processes up to 8,000 bike donations annually for youth and adult programs, free bike giveaways and a social enterprise bike shop.
Supporting Workforce Development Focused on Renewable Energy
- Black Farmers Collective: Stewards a new generation of Black farmers, bridging gaps in current food systems, striving toward food sovereignty and Black liberation.
- Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship: Social enterprise accelerator pilots for emerging social entrepreneurs in marginalized and BIPOC rural communities.
- Emerald Cities Collaborate: Comprehensive training, support services and business opportunities for small minority construction businesses, enabling rapid and profitable growth, particularly within the clean and renewable energy sector.
- Harbor WildWatch: Supports the implementation of a new internship program reducing BIPOC and marginalized student access barriers and providing the necessary experience for first jobs in environmental sustainability.
This nonprofit offers micro-business, upcycling-focused training and services to refugee and immigrant women from around the world, including Ethiopia, Myanmar and Afghanistan. Despite facing high U.S. unemployment rates due to language barriers and cultural differences, the women bring tremendous capabilities and talents.
After recruiting skilled artisan women seeking fair-wage, at-home sewing, embroidery and jewelry-making work, RAI provides training, business connections and a business license.
RAI used Green Equity Funds to upcycle sturdy plastic coffee bags into numerous household products — and keep them out of landfills. RAI upcycles 5,000 pounds annually.
Shop RAI productions, including pillowcases, jewelry, towels and tablemats at https://refugeesarts.org/collections/our-artisan-products
Through our Green Equity Initiative, we are aligning the BECU Foundation’s giving efforts with nonprofits dedicated to positive long-term environmental impacts.” — Gloria D., BECU’s Director of Philanthropy and Executive Director of the BECU Foundation
BECU Member Scholarship Program
Each year, we award financial scholarships to BECU student members who devote their time to helping others while pursuing postsecondary education. We select more than 60 students to receive two-year awards worth $2,500 per year ($5,000 total). Since 1995, BECU has awarded more than $3.5 million in scholarships to over 1,300 BECU student members.
Scholarship applicants describe volunteer service, other activities in the previous four years, and any community contributions outside school or formal volunteering roles. Recipients are selected based on need, commitment to community service, leadership potential and a minimum 2.5 GPA — while prioritizing applicant dedication to social responsibility.
I am truly appreciative of BECU’s support. Because of the opportunity you have provided for me, I am one step closer to achieving my dream (and my family’s) of earning a bachelor’s degree.” — Adriana W., BECU’s Women’s Leadership Group Washington Women in Need Star Scholar
This year, we extended our partnership with the national nonprofit organization Bellevue, Washington-headquartered College Success Foundation (CSF). CSF now administers and manages the BECU's Foundation Scholarship along with the organization's portfolio of notable gives, such as Washington's scholarships for foster youth.
Underserved, low-income students achieve high school graduation and college education dreams through CSF's advisor support, financial aid navigation, resources, tools and scholarships. CSF also supports job training through pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship programs.
In all, 97% of Washington's CSF Scholars graduate from high school and over 12,000 CSF Scholars earned college degrees.
Get involved: https://www.collegesuccessfoundation.org/get-involved/
Growing Environmental Sustainability
We work with external partners to co-create a more environmentally sustainable BECU and positively impact our community. We don't just help you save money, but also help you save the planet. Here's a few ways we worked with members, BECU employees and others to make a difference.
Smaller Carbon Footprints. BECU Employees continue to travel lighter on the earth, reducing carbon emissions through telecommuting and public transportation. We have 70% of employees working from home or remotely. For those who need to come into an office or Neighborhood Financial Center, BECU assists through Orca cards and its last-mile Lyft program. In 2022, 18 employees collectively traveled over 3,700 miles through 1,390+ rides using the last-mile Lyft program.
Evergreen Carbon Capture (ECC) addresses climate change through native tree planting. To sequester carbon, the local organization Forterra plants and maintains ECC trees in Western Washington cities and on rural lands. Efforts in partnership with BECU in 2022 resulted in planting nearly 400 trees at over 16 locations in the Hood Canal and Puget Sound region.
BECU has been a participant of Forterra’s Evergreen Carbon Capture program since 2013, celebrating a decade of carbon mitigation in 2022. In the past 10 years, BECU has planted over 4,850 trees at more than 20 sites in four counties around the Puget Sound. These trees not only mitigated over 24,200 tons of carbon from BECU, but they also helped support the valuable, ongoing restoration efforts of eight city, county and non-profit Field Partners all working to improve the health of Puget Sound forests, waterways and communities.
In 2022, BECU’s Materiality Assessment identified priority environmental issues by gathering 40 stakeholders' perspectives, including survey participants from BECU’s Accounting, Facilities and Social Impact teams and organizations such as Climate Pledge Arena, EarthGen, Bike Works and REI. Together, we uncovered four vital ecological priorities:
- Carbon Reduction: Reducing greenhouse gases through greener operations and financial products.
- Renewable Energy: Supporting the transition to clean energy.
- Environmental Justice: Empowering communities experiencing disproportionate climate impacts to recover and thrive.
- Waste and Pollution: Committing to the 3Rs of “reduce, reuse and recycle.”
BECU Community Events included the twice-annual BECU shred and e-cycle events in Bellingham, Everett, Federal Way and Tukwila, Washington. At the events, BECU employees are on hand to shred and recycle up to three bags of sensitive materials and safely dispose of old electronics. Event attendees donate cash and nonperishable donations to support neighborhood nonprofits and bikes to be refurbished for adults and children in need.
We're also not afraid to get our hands dirty. Our volunteer events included a June 2022 restoration of salmon habitat in Woodinville, Washington. Humans have modified or taken over up to 90% of land along waterways needed for salmon survival. More than 18,000 barriers, such as dams and roads, are blocking salmon and steelhead from reaching Washington's spawning grounds.
We gathered at the King County Parks-owned West Sammamish River Trail to remove invasive plants from a 1200-foot riverbank stretch and mulched the site to prevent re-growth.
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