In response to unprecedented need, STCU significantly increased its year-end giving, surprising more than 20 community organizations with checks ranging from $10,000 to $32,000 to assist with their work of providing basic needs and helping keep youth connected.
 
In addition, the Spokane-based credit union is writing checks ranging from $25 to $1,000 to 103 organizations where employees volunteered in 2020.

The Season of Giving surprise donations of more than $400,000 are being delivered via Zoom meetings to non-profit organizations in Eastern Washington, Tri-Cities and North Idaho. They ranged from the maker space Gizmo CDA, to youth centers, to organizations helping college students stay in school. (See attached list.)  

“We’ve always appreciated the vital services these organizations provide to individuals and families, helping make our community stronger and more equitable,” said Ezra Eckhardt, STCU President and CEO. “In a year with so many challenges, they need our support more than ever.”

While the Season of Giving is a favorite with credit union staff, STCU contributes to community organizations year around. Because 2020 has been particularly difficult for many, the credit union augmented its giving. When events were canceled, STCU asked the organizations to shift its sponsorship money to providing critical needs.

A few examples of STCU’s 2020 efforts:  

• Helping Idaho Business for Education raise more than $400,000 and collect 1,200 devices for K-12 students through the Close the Divide technology campaign. 
• Buying hundreds of gift cards from local businesses to distribute to struggling STCU members and organizations.
• Supporting STCU business members through the administration of more than 1,200 Paycheck Protection Program loans, and helping smaller credit unions do the same.
• Working with KREM-2 on its “Love Local” campaign and the Inlander on its “Back to Business” special sections – both significant efforts to support local businesses.
• Providing critical financial and volunteer support for Spokane Food Fighters, which distributed 120,000 meals directly to doorsteps.
• STCU employees have logged more than 6,000 volunteer hours, including distributing PPE at the Spokane County Fairgrounds, passing out Bite 2 Go meals, and assembling and distributing food boxes for Spokane Valley Partners, along with dozens of other efforts. 
• Providing critical support and 0% interest loans to wildfire victims.
• Using its advertising space to celebrate frontline workers, and support a community effort to honor the class of 2020.

Eckhardt said that certain expectations come from being a not-for-profit financial cooperative founded during the Great Depression.
 
“STCU members have made clear time and again that they want their credit union to assist always, and particularly during challenging times,” he said. “Our board and our employees wouldn’t have it any other way.”

In addition, STCU employees who served at least 12 volunteer hours at any single organization this year were invited to apply for a Volunteers Count grant on behalf of that organization. STCU will deliver 19 of those $1,000 grants by year’s end, along with checks of $25, $50 and $100 to an additional 84 organizations where employees volunteered.  

STCU’s Volunteers Count program offers employees 16 hours of paid time each year for volunteerism. The credit union encourages further volunteer activity by providing flexible schedules, leadership training at all levels, and other support to help them make a community impact.

3 Rivers Community Foundation (3RCF) wraps up 2020 with an additional $142,000 in grants to local nonprofits. This is in addition to $152,000 in grants through its COVID-19 Response Fund. These grants were made available to local 501c3 nonprofits in Benton and Franklin counties. 

“We are very pleased with the growth in our grant program, increasing from $83,000 a year ago, to $142,000 in 2020,” says Abbey Cameron, Executive Director. “Thanks to our donors and fundholders we have been able to support some very critical needs in our community.” 

This year-end round of grants represents 3RCF’s annual grant program, an application-based process. Nonprofits submitted online applications which were reviewed and evaluated by the 3RCF Board of Directors, and in addition organizations who had not received a grant from 3RCF before were invited to a virtual interview with the Board.
As a community foundation, 3RCF is charged with holding and investing funds for various donors and organizations and distributing a portion of the proceeds of those investments for charitable purposes. While some of the distributions are directed by donors, 3RCF maintains an unrestricted fund to support an annual application-based grant program

Nonprofits that provide services in Benton and Franklin counties can apply for a grant to support their programs and services. This annual grant program has given over $5.2 million back to our communities since 2004.

“We just wouldn’t be who we are today without 3 Rivers” says Kristi Thein, Nutrition Services Director, Senior Life Resources/Meals on Wheels. “We are up about 25% from where we were a year ago, delivering 4500 meals per week. Having those meals impacts not just the seniors but their families. We have families who are trying their very best to take care of their loved ones. It’s really about peace of mind for a lot of folks. Thanks to outside funding sources like 3 Rivers we are able to offer services far beyond just a daily meal to our clients.” 

Traditionally these grants would be celebrated during an annual Grant Ceremony, giving the nonprofit community an opportunity to be recognized and to connect and network with each other. Due to not being able to gather in person, 3RCF has collected interviews from most of the grantees which are available for viewing at 3RCF’s YouTube Channel. We encourage the community to learn about the amazing work these organizations are doing, especially during this challenging year.

In addition, 3RCF launched a COVID-19 Response Fund in April to raise money to support nonprofits who provide critical services and were adapting to the many impacts of the pandemic. This rolling grant process has distributed $152,000 in 2020. This application process is currently closed and will reopen in early 2020 as additional funds become available. 

For a list of organizations that have received grants this year visit http://3rcf.org/non-profits/recent-grant-recipients-2010/. To make a donation to 3RCF visit https://threeriverscf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate. ​

Gesa Credit Union donated $14,200 to support hunger alleviation efforts during the holiday season. Credit union employees visited food banks and distribution centers throughout Washington to safely deliver checks to nonprofit organizations in each of Gesa’s market areas. 

Pandemic safety considerations and the large number of people working remotely prevented Gesa from implementing a longstanding credit union tradition of delivering hams to every employee in person. Leadership instead used the opportunity to donate the approximate cost of one ham per person in appreciation for each member of the Gesa team. 

“Increased food insecurity caused by the Covid-19 pandemic means that many in our community are at risk of going hungry,” said Don Miller, President and CEO of Gesa Credit Union. “Our holiday donations made on behalf of our 710 team members focused on local giving to support organizations working to address this important issue. This honors the true giving spirit of our organization and our team members.” 

Donations were calculated based on the number of employees in each market area. With 433 employees, the Tri-Cities region is Gesa’s largest. A donation of $8660, or $20 per employee, was made to Second Harvest in Pasco. The Puget Sound Region has 133 employees, and Gesa donated $2600 to Food Lifeline headquartered in Seattle. Second Harvest in Spokane received $1480 representing the 74 employees in the area. Both Yakima and Walla Walla have 24 employees, and $480 donations were made to both the Pantry Shelf of Walla Walla and the Rotary Food Bank in Yakima. Moses Lake and Wenatchee each have 11 employees, and Gesa donated $220 each to Community Services of Moses Lake and the North Central Washington Food Distribution Center in Wenatchee. On average, Washington food banks turn one dollar into ten meals. Gesa’s donation resulted in approximately 142,000 meals into the communities in which its employees live and work. 

To learn more about Gesa Credit Union’s community involvement, visit www.gesa.com/community.  ​

The holidays will look different this year with many folks staying home and planning more intimate celebrations. With indoor dining closures extended through January 4th, the team at Castle wanted to provide a Chef-Crafted menu for people to enjoy safely at home. The Castle Event Catering Christmas at Home Menu features a selection of classics including prime rib and mashed potatoes but also offers some great ideas for Christmas morning including blueberry blintz, pastries, and quiche. 

There are two pick up options for Christmas Eve Day, December 24th, either Fresh Express to easily finish at home or Hot & Ready to Enjoy. Castle is also offering a special Winter Cheer Menu with a variety of appetizers and festive drink kits. The Christmas at Home and Winter Cheer Menus can be purchased on the Castle Event Catering website, castleeventcatering.com or by calling 375-4000. Orders for the Christmas at Home Menu must be purchased by Monday, December 21st at 4pm for December 24th pick up at Anthology Event Venue in Richland. 

Castle began offering Fresh Express meals to-go in the spring when restrictions with COVID-19 began. With most events canceled and celebrations put on-hold, the team pivoted, finding a way to still reach customers and provide delicious food, but in a safe manner. A new Fresh Express Menu from Castle Event Catering, often themed to the season, is offered each week at castleeventcatering.com or by calling 375-4000. ​