SEATTLE–With two credit unions among the grant recipients, the BECU Foundation is reporting it has distributed $4 million in grants to nonprofit organizations and credit union partners working to address housing affordability, food insecurity, education, workforce development and access to financial services.
According to BECU, the one-time funding represents the largest grant distribution in the foundation’s history and comes as Washington households and community organizations face growing financial pressures.
The grants, distributed in September through the foundation’s new Right Now Grants program, will support initiatives during a funding period running from Oct. 1, 2026, through Oct. 1, 2027.
BECU, Washington’s largest credit union at approximately $30-billion in assets, said the program was developed in response to rising living costs and increasing demand for nonprofit services. The credit union cited research showing more than one-third of Washington households struggle to afford basic living expenses.
“Our community partners know where help is needed most,” said Carla Costa-Perales, executive vice president and chief impact officer at BECU. “These grants will help them build on their work and reach more people in their communities.”
Two Credit Unions Among Grant Recipients
Two community development financial institution credit unions are among the recipients, with each receiving $275,000 to expand access to financial services.
According to BECU, the grants include:
- Canopy Credit Union — $275,000: Supporting increased access to affordable financial services in Eastern Washington through the credit union’s work as a CDFI.
- Express Credit Union — $275,000: Expanding access to community-based financial services for underserved populations through its CDFI initiatives.
The two credit unions will receive a combined $550,000.
Other Organizations Receiving Funding
BECU said the remaining grants are being directed to organizations with which it has established relationships through philanthropic investments, scholarships, workforce development programs and financial education initiatives.
Recipients include:
- College Success Foundation — $300,000: Expanding scholarship opportunities and financial literacy programs.
- Washington State Opportunity Scholarship — $300,000: Supporting educational opportunities and career development.
- FareStart — $400,000: Providing community meals and workforce development through culinary training programs.
- Black Home Initiative — $400,000: Expanding pathways to Black homeownership.
- Pioneer Human Services — $400,000: Helping individuals achieve greater stability through employment opportunities and support services.
- United Way of Pierce County — $400,000: Connecting families with financial coaching and other support services.
- Solid Ground — $500,000: Strengthening housing stability programs and efforts to prevent homelessness.
- Feeding Feasible Feasts, Four Roots and Vault89 — $750,000 combined: Supporting initiatives designed to improve local food access and strengthen community support systems.
BECU said the grants are intended to help participating organizations expand existing programs rather than develop entirely new initiatives.
Building on Previous Investments
The credit union said the $4 million distribution is part of a broader commitment to improving the financial well-being of its members and the communities it serves.
According to BECU, it invested more than $8.1 million in community programs and partnerships during 2025, while the BECU Foundation separately reported more than $1.1 million in scholarships and charitable giving that year.
The foundation, which has operated for more than 30 years, initially focused on educational assistance for BECU members and their families. Its mission has since expanded to include charitable grants, community investments and initiatives supporting financial stability.
BECU also reported delivering $425.7 million in financial value to members during 2025 through competitive interest rates and reduced fees.
The credit union said its approach reflects a belief that members’ financial well-being is closely connected to the economic strength of their communities.
BECU serves more than 1.5 million members and reports $29.4 billion in assets, making it Washington’s largest credit union and one of the five largest credit unions in the United States.
