CONTACT:
Rachel Feldman, Communications Specialist, VSECU
rfeldman@vsecu.com / 802-272-9756
Nonprofits invited to apply for $50,000 now through November 29
MONTPELIER, VT – VSECU is announcing the annual launch of We Care 2, a member-directed giving program through which donations are distributed to Vermont nonprofit organizations. Because of the program’s significant impact on communities around Vermont, the credit union is increasing the amount that will be directed by members from $23,000 to $50,000.
Now through November 29, VSECU is accepting applications from Vermont-based nonprofit 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(s).
“VSECU exists because of, and for, our members, with a purpose of improving the quality of life for everyone who lives or works in Vermont,” said Simeon Chapin, community impact officer at VSECU. “Our members know their communities and know where charitable dollars are truly making a difference. We Care 2 has carried the voice of our membership successfully for many years and we wanted to increase the impact and value of every vote—and thus, the change people can make in Vermont, simply by banking with VSECU.”
From the qualifying applicants, the We Care 2 Selection Committee will choose five finalists, which will be announced in January and placed on the 2020 VSECU Annual Elections ballot. As they vote for member-owners who have been nominated for the Board of Directors, VSECU members will also vote for the nonprofit finalist 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. In another newly instated change, each finalist is now guaranteed to receive at least $5,000.
Past recipients include Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, Green Mountain United Way, Downstreet Housing & Community Development, Age Well, and Veterans Outreach and Family Resource Center.
Nonprofit 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 29 at vsecu.com/wecare2.
About VSECU
VSECU is a member-owned cooperative and not for profit credit union for everybody who lives or works in Vermont, offering a full range of affordable financial products and services to its member-owners. VSECU is committed to improving the lives of Vermonters by empowering the possibilities for greater social, environmental, and financial prosperity. For more information about VSECU, call 802/800 371-5162 or visit www.vsecu.com.
Read the story on VTDigger here: VSECU’s member-directed giving program, We Care 2, doubles donations, opens applications.