Verity Credit Union’s Microgrant Program Supports Underserved Communities in Washington State

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on September 24, 2024

Verity Credit Union’s Microgrant Program provides $5,000 in unrestricted monetary support for organizations whose work benefits historically underserved communities within Washington State. Since its launch in 2017, the program has supported over 50 organizations with more than $152,000, focusing on those with limited access to traditional funding due to organizational size, age, or tax-exemption status. 

“Verity Credit Union is sowing the seeds of prosperity and resilience among underserved BIPOC communities, empowering recipients to turn their dreams into reality and serve more people,” explained Monika Hudson, Senior Consumer Lending Processor at Verity Credit Union. 

The Microgrant Program is structured to prioritize non-profit organizations:

• Whose work explicitly supports Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities  

• Who are founded/led by members of historically marginalized communities and those with marginalized lived experiences 

• With a total asset size of less than $250,000 

• Whose work furthers social justice, environmental justice, equity, and financial wellness for all.  

Past recipients have used their funds for utility costs, improvements to operations including software and technology, and development to create new or improve pre-existing programs. Grant recipients in 2023 included: 

• Abundance of Hope Center: Dedicated to combating poverty and marginalization in King County. 

• African Young Dreamers Empowerment Program International: A youth-driven, adult-guided program that empowers and supports BIPOC young people. 

• Duwamish Valley Sustainability Association: Provides opportunities for young people from BIPOC families to be trained in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) topics. 

• Ireta P’urhépecha: A community collective focused on preserving the P’urhépecha culture and identity. 

• Yoga Behind Bars: Offers trauma-informed yoga and meditation to youth and adults in nine different prisons, jails, and detention centers.

“This program has been a lifeline for our organization, providing the support and resources needed to overcome challenges and achieve sustainability in some of our program areas,” said Faraji Blakeney, Co-Executive Director of Yoga Behind Bars. “Receiving the microgrant from Verity Credit Union has allowed Yoga Behind Bars to invest in essential resources, expand our reach, and bring our vision to life.” 

“What truly sets the Verity Microgrant Program apart is its commitment to empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities,” Blakeney continued. “As a black-led organization, we have often faced unique challenges on the journey, but the support and encouragement we have received from being a recipient of this grant has been affirming to our mission.” 

The Fall 2024 application deadline for Verity’s Microgrant Program is Oct. 15. 

Posted in Community Impact, Regional Member News, Washington.