The People Helping People Awards are an annual member-led program that recognizes and supports great causes in our communities.
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Each year, BECU members nominate nonprofits for awards up to $50,000 in grant funding, and each finalist is guaranteed a minimum of $15,000.
Our People Helping People Awards committee has narrowed down the list of member-nominated nonprofits to 18 amazing finalists. Watch the videos and read the descriptions below, then vote for your favorite nonprofit.
Voting is restricted to one vote per email address. Voting ends on Oct. 16, 2026, at 5 p.m. PST. The organization with the most votes will win the $40,000 People's Choice Award.
Our Finalists
Bellingham Food Bank
Bellingham Food Bank works to reduce hunger by ensuring equitable access to nutritious food and essential resources, strengthening regional hunger relief efforts, and addressing systemic inequities that contribute to food insecurity.
ChangeUp Foundation
The ChangeUp Foundation expands access to higher education for BIPOC students by providing renewable college scholarships, mentorship, and ongoing support that helps remove barriers and open doors to educational opportunity.
Connect Casino Road
Connect Casino Road strengthens the community and family well-being through trusted relationships, resource connections, and community-centered support.
Culture Generation
Culture Generation celebrates and preserves the culinary traditions of immigrant communities, using food as a bridge for cultural connection and understanding. Through its programs, the organization empowers marginalized communities, supports economic sustainability, and fosters belonging across generations.
Highline Area Food Bank
Highline Area Food Bank provides free food and essential support to people experiencing food insecurity while connecting them to additional community resources. The organization works to improve food access and strengthen the well-being of Burien and greater Highline community.
KBTC Association
The KBTC Association engages and informs communities through educational, inspiring, and entertaining media. By elevating local voices and fostering civic dialogue, KBTC helps strengthen community connection and engagement.
Key Tech Labs
Key Tech Labs bridges the digital divide by providing hands-on training in technology, AI, and green energy. Through a BIPOC-centered approach, they empower individuals and communities to build a more sustainable and equitable future.
Light Collective
The Light Collective brings joy, connection, and support to Pacific Northwest families impacted by childhood cancer through monthly meaningful experiences and community-building programs.
Maddie's Place
Maddie's Place provides specialized care for substance-exposed infants while supporting parents and caregivers with compassionate, wraparound services.
Northeast Youth Center
Northeast Youth Center (NEYC) provides educational and recreational programs that support low-income youth (ages 3-12) in Spokane build confidence, life skills, and opportunities for success.
Rain City Rock Camp
Rain City Rock Camp empowers women, girls, and gender nonconforming individuals to engage their creative potential through music, champion equity, and thrive in a community of allies and activists.
RECLAIM
RECLAIM supports individuals and families impacted by the criminal legal system through reintegration services focused on mental, emotional, and relational well-being, led by people with lived experience.
Safe Parking Program at Lake Washington United Methodist Church
The Safe Parking Program at Lake Washington United Methodist Church provides a safe place for people living in their vehicles, along with essential resources and social service connections. The program helps meet basic needs while supporting individuals on their path toward stable housing.
Shades of Divinity
Shades of Divinity promotes reproductive justice, Black liberation, Indigenous sovereignty, and maternal child health equity through community outreach, education, direct support, and advocacy.
Shoreline Farmers Market Association
Shoreline Farmers Market connects local farmers, producers, and artisans with the community through fresh food, education, and inclusive gathering spaces to support a healthy local food system and a more accessible economy.
Stella Nyanduko Foundation
The Stella Nyanduko Foundation supports Kenyan and East African immigrant families, through programs that strengthen art, culture, education and mental health advocacy.
Sustainable Ballard
Sustainable Ballard inspires and empowers neighbors to take action for a more sustainable future and resilient community through education, conservation, and community engagement.
Unloop
Unloop provides free technology training to formerly incarcerated adults across Washington State, helping them build digital skills, confidence, and access to opportunities. Through education and a supportive peer community, Unloop empowers individuals to succeed in reentry, employment, and lifelong learning.
More about the People Helping People Awards
BECU Member Nominations: April 6 – April 24
Voting: Oct. 5 – Oct. 16
People Helping People Awards Celebration: December 10
The BECU People Helping People Awards are granted in the following amounts:
Member Volunteer of the Year Award: (1) $50,000
Selected by a panel of judges, the award is granted to a nonprofit organization on behalf of an outstanding member volunteer.
People's Choice Award: (1) $40,000
Selected by popular vote from the community, the award is granted to one nonprofit organization.
Employees' Choice Award: (1) $30,000
Selected by popular vote from BECU employees, the award is granted to one nonprofit organization.
Past PHPA Recipients' Choice: (1) $30,000
Selected by popular vote from past PHPA recipient nonprofits, the award is granted to one nonprofit organization.
Community Benefit Award: (14) $15,000
Selected by a panel of judges, the awards are granted to fourteen nonprofit finalists that have been nominated by members.
In addition to the above listed award amounts, all PHPA recipients will receive a glide path grant of $2,500 for the two years following their initial award.
BECU members may nominate any nonprofit organization they support with their 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
- Idaho, Oregon or South Carolina
- Nonprofit work must be focused in any one of the following seven giving areas:
- Advancing education (Pre-K through college)
- Arts and culture
- Creating economic opportunity
- Preserving health and promoting wellness
- Preserving or restoring the environment
- Providing for basic human needs
- Strengthening local communities
Questions?
Contact the BECU social impact team: communityrelations@becu.org