Gesa Credit Union Announces Recipients of 2023 Local Heroes Grant Program

Gesa, a community-focused credit union, today announced the recipients of its 2023 Local Heroes Grant Program, which provides grant funds to organizations that support Local Heroes within the community. This year Gesa awarded more than $410,000 in grants to 42 organizations across Washington state. The top awarded organizations received upwards of $50,000 to support their specific needs.
 
Gesa’s Local Heroes Grant Program provides grants to organizations in the state of Washington that support any of the Gesa’s outlined Local Heroes categories, including firefighters, law enforcement, educators, healthcare workers, and veterans. This year’s recipients were selected by the credit union’s Gesa Community Foundation selection committee.
 
“We view Local Heroes as those that step forward to make our communities better. We need these organizations, and the remarkable dedication demonstrated by this year’s applicants is inspiring,” said Richard Waddle, Executive Vice President of Gesa Credit Union. “We are honored to provide grants to support these Local Heroes and deeply appreciate the invaluable work they do to strengthen our communities and shape a brighter future.”
 
Of the 42 organizations recognized through the Local Heroes Grant Program this year, 17 grants were awarded to educators. Another seven grants were given to organizations supporting healthcare workers. Firefighter and law enforcement departments and organizations were provided a total of 12 grants, six for each Local Heroes group. Another six grants were committed to supporting veteran organizations across the state. A complete list of this year’s program recipients can be found below.

Educators

• Anderson Island Elementary Booster Club

• Basin City Elementary Library
• Glover Middle School
• Highland Middle School
• Highland School District
• Kent School District Pine Tree Elementary
• Kenroy Elementary School
• Kingspoint Christian School
• Riverside Independent Scholar Program
• Riverside School District
• Selah School District  
• Shoreline Public Schools Foundation
• Soap Lake School District
• Union Gap School
• Walla Walla Public Schools – Juvenile Justice Center

• Washington State University Tri-Cities

• Whitman Middle School Parent Teacher Student Association

 
Healthcare Workers

• Columbia Basin College Foundation
• Neighborhood Clinic
• St. Anne Hospital Foundation

• Trios Health – Education Department

 
Firefighters

• Benton County Fire Protection District #12
• City of Walla Walla Fire Department
• Columbia Walla Walla Fire District #2
• Grant County Fire District 13
• Medic One Foundation

• United We Rescue

 
Law Enforcement

• Covington Police
• Law Enforcement Against Drugs Task Force
• Port of Pasco Police Department
• Sunnyside Police Department
• West Richland Police Department
• Yakima Valley Local Crime Lab  

 
Veterans

• Alatheia Therapeutic Riding Center
• Blue Mountain Action Council

• Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 11-6A
• Dress for Success Seattle
• Memorial Foundation
• Service Peace Warriors
• The American Legion Cathay Post #186
• Whitworth University

 
With every swipe of a Local Heroes co-branded Gesa Visa® Debit Card, Gesa members earn funds designated for grants in that card’s Local Heroes category. Funds accumulate over the course of a year and are disbursed annually by the Gesa Community Foundation.

For more information about Gesa’s Local Heroes Grant Program, including eligibility requirements, visit https://www.gesa.com/category/local-heroes/.