BECU is Washington's leading and largest credit union. We are a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution that members can trust and experience the best value and service.
Our commitment to serving BECU members extends to doing what’s right for them in the
communities where they live. We are dedicated to improving lives through outreach
efforts focused on homeownership, education, financial literacy, and support for the
credit union movement.
BECU recognizes that for most people homeownership provides the
foundation for financial security and helps build strong communities. We
also understand that affordability is the biggest issue most of us face
when it comes to finding and buying a home. To help overcome this
obstacle, BECU joined with these organizations to help more people
achieve their dream of homeownership. BECU also provides innovative loan
programs to help members finance their homes, and hosts free seminars to
educate the community on critical aspects of the real estate process.
BECU recently provided funding for two major projects with Habitat
for Humanity Seattle/South King County: Seattle Cottages Project and
Federal Way 21st Century Challenge. We also supported the Skagit
Habitat Women’s Build Project. Habitat homeowners invest hundreds of
hours working on building their homes alongside community
volunteers.
This Snohomish County program assists people in transition with
emergency, temporary and permanent housing and education. BECU
Educators deliver financial education courses to participants in the
College of Hope program, which provides residents with learning
opportunities specially designed to empower them to improve their
current situation.
This organization leverages BECU funding to help create new housing
opportunities for individuals of modest means in the Puget Sound
region. We have committed $5.5 million over 10 years through grants
and low-interest loans.
In addition to our own programs, BECU provides financial support and
employee volunteers to community organizations that share our commitment
to education. These are some of our currently funded outreach efforts:
High school students across the state participate in this week-long
program focused on teamwork, leadership, and setting real-life
goals. Participants learn about running a business and mapping plans
for the future. BECU provides tuition support and staff volunteers.
BECU contributes funding in support of the Power Hour after-school
tutoring and homework support program, providing tutoring and
homework skills for club members aged 6 to 18 years.
BECU School Grants fund educational materials and programs that directly
enhance students’ learning experiences. Would your school like to add
new library materials, host a special program, or start a project? BECU
may be able to help.
Examples of funded BECU School Grants:
Zoo field trip to study animals in their habitat
Northwest non-fiction books for the library
Poetry festival in which students presented their original works
Math night for students and their families
Materials for after-school literacy programs
Have a funding need? Ready to apply?
We are currently working to improve this program and hope to have applications available early 2010.
Questions?
Call Community Relations and Education at 206-439-5910 or 800-233-2328, ext.
5910, or email communityrelations@becu.org. We look forward to hearing your ideas.
If you’re looking for financial literacy topics for your students, you’ll
be interested in BECU free financial presentations. Taught by BECU
qualified educators, our programs are designed to address money
decisions children and teens face during different life stages. Offered
to young people of all ages, from kindergarteners through college
students, our presentations are aimed at helping students make smart
financial decisions.
Sign up online
Select the name of a classroom presentation for a description. Sign up for
one or more presentation at a time by checking the box next to your choice
and selecting “Sign Up”.
Don’t see the topic you’re looking for? Let us know so we can improve our classroom offerings.
BECU believes that everyone benefits from basic financial education.
That’s why we offer free seminars, programs, and financial counseling to
help people learn how to set a personal budget, use credit, apply for
loans, and—most importantly—establish good habits for wise spending and
saving. In addition to our online webcasts and in-person seminars, our
educators are involved in these community projects:
Financial Literacy Public Private Partnership (FLPPP)
International District Housing Alliance—Financial Literacy Project
Head Start Programs
Homesight
Housing Hope’s College of Hope Program
Jennifer Beach Foundation
NW Baptist Federal CU—Financial Literacy program
Realistic Transition Program
Seattle Jobs Initiatives
SIFE at City University—Financial Education Program
Washington Community Alliance for Self-Help (CASH)
Washington Women’s Employment Education
YWCA—Financial Education Program
BECU members can benefit from these additional programs to help them regain
their financial footing:
There is a spirit of cooperation among Credit Unions that you won’t find
in many other industries. The Credit Union Movement is founded on a
commitment to the cooperative nature of not-for-profit member ownership,
and a partnership with all Credit Unions. BECU offers financial support,
guidance, and encouragement to help Credit Unions serve their members.