BECU Foundation: People Helping People Awards Grant

BECU Foundation: People Helping People Awards Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: BECU Foundation
Amount: Up to US $50,000
Last Updated: March 31, 2026

Summary

The BECU Foundation's People Helping People Awards honor exceptional nonprofit work in communities served by BECU. Each year, BECU members can nominate organizations for grants up to $50,000. Eligible nonprofits must be active 501(c)(3) organizations with a direct impact in Idaho, Oregon, South Carolina, or Washington. This initiative highlights the importance of community service and encourages members to recognize local heroes making a difference.

Overview

NOTE: BECU member nominations are accepted through the Letter of Inquiry deadline, above. Nonprofit supplemental applications are due by the full proposal deadline. Nominate a Nonprofit BECU's People Helping People Awards are an annual celebration of exceptional work within the communities we serve. We're proud to honor members and nonprofits that drive positive change through service to others. Nominate a nonprofit you support to receive a grant of up to $50,000 by filling out the online form available at www.becu.org/awards. All required sections of the form must be completed and within the character limits specified. Giving Areas and Subcategories Nonprofit work must be focused in any one of the following seven giving areas: Advancing education (Pre-K through college): Access to education, mentoring, educational materials and programming, classroom, school and PTSA funding for educational programs/materials/experiences. Arts and culture: Equitable access to art experiences, underrepresented art and cultural organizations, cultural programs. Creating economic opportunity: Living-wage jobs, small and startup businesses, job quality for low-wage workers. Preserving health and promoting wellness: Access to healthcare, illness prevention/cure, mental health, patient support, disabilities, veteran advocacy. Preserving or restoring the environment: Conservation, stewardship, sustainability. Providing for basic human needs: Affordable housing, homelessness, senior advocacy, infant and child advocacy, food/diaper/clothing banks. Strengthening local communities: Neighborhoods, public safety, search and rescue, outdoor spaces, rotary/chamber.

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. BECU members may nominate any nonprofit organization you support with your time, talents or money. Nonprofits must also meet the following requirements:Active 501(c)(3) tax exempt status with the IRS. Must have a direct impact in one of the following areas:Washington state County of Charleston, South Carolina Oregon Counties: Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Deschutes, Lane, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington, Yamhill Idaho Counties: Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Clearwater, Idaho, Kootenai, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, Shoshone Organizations seeking charitable support from BECU must generally certify they do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of their policies, activities or operations.Social service or community programs provided by religious or faith-based organizations are eligible when the following conditions are met: Registered US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; programs have a formal mission statement and separate program budget; the secular programs or services are offered to eligible participants without regard to their faith or willingness to participate in religious activities; and the group ensures that People Helping People Award funds are not used to support religious activities such as worship or proselytization. You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member. You must be a member to nominate a nonprofit.

Ineligibility

Ineligible organizations include: Political organizations; Religious or sectarian programs for inherently religious purposes (including but not limited to religious worship or proselytization); churches, synagogues, mosques, ministries, other houses of worship or religious organizations unless for specific social programs that meet the criteria identified above.We are unable to award funds that do not fall into the categories above, including, but not limited to: sports teams, animal rescue organizations, and organizations that are unable to confirm the award will have a direct impact in BECU service areas.Nonprofit organizations that have received funding of $15,000 or more from BECU in the last three years are ineligible for these awards.Nonprofits that fall outside of the giving areas will be disqualified.