BECU’s 10th Annual People Helping People Awards Program Grants $525,000 to Member-Nominated Nonprofits

December 8, 2023

After receiving nearly 900 nominations, Seattle-based BECU honored nonprofit organizations and BECU members at its annual People Helping People Awards on Dec. 7.

For the first time in three years, the celebration was held in person and recognized the positive impact of more than 30 nonprofits in BECU’s service areas.

“As a cooperative, BECU is committed to increasing the financial well-being of our members and giving back to the communities where they live, work, and play,” said Beverly Anderson, BECU’s president and chief executive officer. “These member and employee-nominated organizations go above and beyond to create meaningful change in our communities and provide equitable solutions to essential issues such as education, hunger, accessibility, and inclusivity.”

BECU’s 2023 People Helping People Award recipients include:

• Member Volunteer of the Year ($50,000): Nancy Harris was selected as Member Volunteer of the Year for her service, guidance, and leadership at OneWorld Now. This organization’s mission is to develop the next generation of global leaders and envision a world where all young people have access to transformative international education.
• People’s Choice Award ($40,000): Emma’s Exceptional Equipment Exchange was selected by popular vote from the community. The organization bridges the gap between what insurance covers and what individuals with disabilities need to comfortably and safely enjoy basic daily living.
• Employees’ Choice Award ($30,000): Cares of Washington won by popular vote from BECU employees. The nonprofit supports people with disabilities and low incomes to realize their purpose, potential, and strength, and connects clients to employment and basic needs resources.
• Past Recipients’ Choice Award ($30,000): PFLAG Skagit was selected by popular vote among past People Helping People Award recipients. The organization aims to support, advocate for and educate about the LGBTQIA+ community by providing an opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Black Community Development Project: For its fourth year, BECU is awarding seven Black-led, member-nominated nonprofits with Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants. The following recipients will each receive $21,427, for a total of nearly $150,000:
  • Advancing Education: Camp Read-a-Rama and Delta Psi Sigma Foundation
  • Arts and Culture: African-American Writers Alliance
  • Preserving Health and Promoting Wellness: Aneden Gives and Zia Larson Ray of Light Foundation
  • Strengthening Communities: Kitsap Black Student Union and Shades of Divinity

The listed recipients are among several other organizations that received recognition.

Since the program launched in 2013, BECU has donated more than $4.1 million to over 145 local nonprofits.

Posted in Regional Member News, Washington.