BECU Members Help Direct $450,000 to Nonprofits Through People Helping People Awards

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on December 17, 2025

BECU is donating $450,000 to nonprofit organizations as part of its annual People Helping People Awards. Each year, BECU invites its members to nominate nonprofits that are improving access to education and economic opportunities, promoting health and wellness, providing basic needs, strengthening local communities or caring for the environment. In 2025, the credit union received over 750 nominations.

This year’s People Helping People Awards come as BECU is celebrating its 90th anniversary — BECU was founded in 1935 as 18 Boeing employees came together to help each other purchase tools. Today, BECU has grown to include more than 1.5 million members, and its commitment to the credit union philosophy of “people helping people” is steadfast. The People Helping People Awards is a way for members to help direct philanthropic funding in their communities. Since the program began in 2013, the People Helping People Awards have provided over $5 million to nonprofit organizations.

“As dedicated volunteers, advocates and supporters, our members deeply understand the needs of their communities,” said Beverly Anderson, BECU CEO. “With those needs only continuing to grow, the work of our nonprofit partners is even more important. The People Helping People Awards are a way we can come together to make a meaningful impact.”

This year’s award recipients include:

Denis Maronga of Kicheko Project, Member Volunteer of the Year ($50,000): The Member Volunteer of the Year award is given to a nonprofit on behalf of a member who exemplifies exceptional community service. Funds will support Kicheko Project as they build inclusive futures by connecting culture, education, and innovation in support of BIPOC youth and families.

“We measure success in these human connections — the Yoruba elder teaching teens beadwork, the Ukraine father who said our financial literacy workshop helped him buy a home,” said BECU member Denis Maronga in Kicheko Project’s nomination. “Every other weekend, I’m humbled to see our volunteers donate over 200 monthly hours to keep our programs free. This nomination isn’t about me — it’s for the community heroes who’ve turned Kicheko into a lifeline for cross-cultural healing.”

InvestED, People’s Choice Award ($40,000): Given to the organization that receives the most votes from the community, this funding will support InvestED’s efforts to provide students with immediate, barrier-free access to essentials like food, clothing, and school participation costs. This year, BECU received 12,000 votes from the community for this award.

“While at the Highline School District, we used InvestED funds to support our most vulnerable students. We helped students facing homelessness with food, clothes and basic needs items. We also helped students engage in school through arts, music, drama, sports and field trips,” said BECU member David Hartness in InvestED’s nomination. “Without this money, many students simply wouldn’t be able to participate and many would have lost the motivation to continue on, which could impact their grades.”

Washington Association of Child Advocate Programs, Employees’ Choice Award ($30,000): Receiving the most votes by BECU employees, Washington Association of Child Advocate Programs will be granted funding in support of the Snohomish County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) as they equip local advocates with tools, training, and resources to serve children in court and community settings.

“The CASA program gives me the opportunity to step forward and personally help children and their families who are experiencing the worst of times,” said BECU member Jeanne Thomas in Washington Association of Child Advocate Programs’ nomination. “The child is at the center of everything we do. The CASA program encourages volunteers to use their life experience to advocate for vulnerable children.”

Refugee & Immigrant Connections Spokane, Past Recipients’ Choice Award ($30,000): Selected by popular vote from past People Helping People Award recipients, Refugee & Immigrant Connections Spokane (RICS) will receive funding in support of their efforts to connect refugee and immigrant families to vital services, fostering belonging and advocating for their rights.

“I’ve watched individuals arrive carrying the weight of displacement. Through RICS’ programs — language support, job readiness, community events — I witness transformations that benefit not only newcomers but our entire city,” said BECU member Azad Salem in RICS’ nomination. “Confidence grows, isolation melts away as cross-cultural connections are formed between long-time residents and new arrivals, and hope rekindles as families begin to thrive, contributing their skills and perspectives to Spokane’s economy and culture.”

Community Benefit Awards ($210,000 to 14 organizations): All other 2025 People Helping People Awards finalists will receive $15,000.

Additionally, the People Helping People Awards provides two years of supplemental grant funding to ensure recipients can sustain their impact. This year, BECU is providing $90,000 to support past award recipients.

The People Helping People Awards are part of BECU’s broader philanthropic efforts. In 2024, the credit union contributed $9.2 million to hundreds of nonprofits focused on improving financial health in the communities it serves.

Posted in Community Impact, Regional Member News, Top Headlines, Washington.