SEATTLE– Verity Credit Union has announced today the six recipients of its Spring 2025 Microgrant Program, awarding a total of $32,500 to local nonprofit organizations. The Washington State Coalition of African Community Leaders(WSCACL) received the top award of $7,500, and the $5,000 awardees include Washington United Migrant (WUM), the Not Forgotten Foundation, the Rainier Avenue Business Coalition, the Village Life Project, and Independent Achievements for Minority Youth (I.A.M.U). 

These six recipients were chosen from 100+ applications, underscoring their vital contributions to the communities they serve, Verity CU said. 

Launched in 2017, Verity’s Microgrant Program provides unrestricted monetary support for organizations whose work benefits historically underserved communities within Washington State. To date, the program has supported 74 organizations, giving more than $230,000 specifically to those with limited access to traditional funding due to organizational size, age, or tax-exemption status. 

“Our Microgrant Program is a critical part of our commitment to support and address systemic barriers that historically excluded communities face,” Ziquora Banks, chief impact strategy officer, said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to receive so many applications and pleased to offer tiers of unrestricted grant dollars to such deserving organizations, warmly welcoming them into the Verity Credit Union community. We can’t wait to see the impact on the recipient organizations’ growth and success and benefits received by individuals, groups, and businesses they serve.” 

This cycle, Verity said it emphasized organizations whose work aligns with its mission as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). The recipients reflect the financial institutions’ continued commitment to trust-based philanthropy, racial equity, and co-creating financial systems that serve those most excluded. 

Recipients of Verity Credit Union microgrants will utilize the funding to support necessary programs, build organizational infrastructure, respond to urgent community needs, and expand service offerings.