News Release — VSECU
Oct. 30, 2018
CONTACT:
Rachel Feldman
rfeldman@vsecu.com
802-272-9756
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR VSECU’S $23,000 MEMBER-DIRECTED WE CARE 2 GIVING PROGRAM
Non-profits invited to apply for charitable giving through November 30
MONTPELIER, VT – VSECU is announcing the annual launch of We Care 2, a member-directed giving program through which $23,000 in donations are distributed to Vermont non-profit organizations. Now through November 30, VSECU, a not for profit credit union for everybody who lives or works in Vermont, is accepting applications from Vermont-based non-profit organizations that make a positive and direct impact on issues of food, shelter, heat, financial education, or the environment.
Qualifying applications will be presented on the VSECU website and social media platforms, where community members will have an opportunity to comment, offer testimony, and endorse the work of their favorite organization.
“Through We Care 2, VSECU members have the opportunity to engage directly on social media with the organizations they would like to support with financial donations,” said Simeon Chapin, director of community and social development at VSECU. “Because we partner with the finalists to provide as much information about their work as possible, members can make informed decisions and learn about the incredible efforts being made throughout the state to improve the lives of Vermonters.
The Giving Committee will select five finalists, which will be announced in January and placed on the 2019 Annual Elections ballot. VSECU members will vote for the organization they would like to fund. We Care 2 funds will be distributed based on the percentage of votes received so that every vote cast by a credit union member will have equal financial value.
Past recipients include Blue Star Mothers of Vermont, Charter House Coalition, Community Harvest of Central Vermont, Mercy Connections, and Prevent Child Abuse Vermont.
“Mercy Connections was grateful to receive funds from VSECU’s We Care 2 Program,” said Lisa Falcone, executive director of Mercy Connections. “Thanks to the generosity of the members, this investment helped people access our programs and acquire skills that support their dreams and plans for greater stability: reduced debt, increased financial literacy, increased confidence and motivation, earnings, and a much needed sense of belonging and community. Thank you for caring and promoting social and economic justice.”
Linda Johnson, executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Vermont, said, “We Care 2 had a major impact on our ability to help Vermont families in 2018. We were able to provide food for almost 50 Nurturing Parenting Programs we hold each year, which bring participant families together for a nutritious meal. We appreciate how much VSECU members support the work we do every day to create stronger and healthier communities here in Vermont.”
Non-profit organizations that positively impact Vermonters’ access to food, shelter, heat, financial education, or a healthy environment can apply for We Care 2 funding through November 30 at vsecu.com/wecare2.
Read the story on VTDigger here: VSECU accepting non-profit applications for charity program.