Unitus Community Credit Union Named a Top Five Most Philanthropic Corporation & Wins Award for Educator Pipeline Partnership

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on November 5, 2025

Unitus Community Credit Union has been named the fifth most philanthropic large corporation in the Portland metro area by the Portland Business Journal and has also been honored with the 2025 Innovation in Philanthropy Award for its partnership with Western Oregon University’s Bilingual Teacher Scholars program.

This marks the 15th consecutive year that Unitus has been recognized among the region’s top corporate givers, reflecting its long-standing commitment to building equitable opportunity and strengthening the communities it serves.

“We are grateful to be recognized again for the collective work of our team and our community partners, who are addressing the most urgent needs facing Oregon families,” said Steven Stapp, President and CEO of Unitus Community Credit Union. “We believe that meaningful impact happens through collaboration and long-term commitment, and we are proud to invest in programs that help communities thrive.”

The Portland Business Journal recognized Unitus based on more than $686,000 in cash contributions in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Beyond the award’s regional criteria, Unitus contributed more than $750,000 in total donations and sponsorships and $815,000 globally in cash and in-kind contributions, including volunteer time. Unitus employees volunteered 1,852 hours in 2024.

The Innovation in Philanthropy Award recognizes the impact of the Unitus-funded Bilingual Teacher Scholars cohort at Western Oregon University, a multiyear initiative that supports first-generation and transfer students on the path to becoming licensed bilingual educators. The partnership responds directly to Oregon classrooms where more than 40% of students are ethnically or linguistically diverse, yet less than 15% of teachers share their background.

“Our partnership with WOU reflects how we approach philanthropy at Unitus,” said Aimee Berg, VP of Community Engagement and Financial Education. “We look for solutions that are relational, measurable, and centered in equity. The Bilingual Teacher Scholars program is not just changing individual lives; it is changing who has the power to lead and teach in our education systems. That is the kind of innovation we are committed to.”

Posted in Oregon, Regional Member News, Washington.