RICHLAND, Wash.–Two credit unions have announced they are now accepting applications from community organizations for their respective grant programs.
In Washington, Gesa Credit Union said its 2024 Local Heroes Grant Program will be accepting grant applications through July 31. Any local organization that supports local heroes in a Gesa community, such as firefighters, healthcare workers, law enforcement, educators, and veterans, is encouraged to apply for grants up to $50,000 to support their effort, the credit union said.
Gesa reported that the program, now in its fourth year, will offer more than $400,000 in grants.
“Gesa has long admired and appreciated the heroes who work hard to enhance and protect our local communities,” Amber Merrill, community relations manager, said in a statement. “Our Local Heroes Grant Program stands as a way to honor their selfless and noble efforts. We’re in awe that the program continues to grow thanks to the generous support of our members, allowing us to support even more local organizations in need.”
Funds From Card Program
The $5.51-billion Gesa Credit Union said funds for the grants are generated through its Affinity Debit Card Program. Funds accumulate over the course of a year and are distributed annually by the Gesa Community Foundation.
The Local Heroes Grant Program began in 2021 and to date has provided more than $1 million in grants to more than 100 organizations, Gesa CU said.
Grants Funds in Georgia
Separately, in Georgia, Delta Community Credit Union is again offering grants to nonprofits with $150,000 available for 20 selected organizations for 2025.
The size of each nonprofit's award can vary, the $8.5-billion Delta Community Credit Union said.
“It is our privilege to support and invest in programs that positively impact the lives of metro Atlanta families,” CEO Hank Halter said in a statement. “As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, we operate under the ideal of good corporate citizenship and strive to strengthen the communities where our members live and work through our own direct efforts and by partnering with organizations that share our values and sense of responsibility.”