The People Helping People Awards are an annual member-led program that recognizes and supports great causes in our communities.
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The People Helping People Awards are a celebration of exceptional work within the communities we serve and provide us the opportunity to honor members and nonprofits that drive positive change through service to others.
Each year, BECU members can nominate local nonprofits for a People Helping People Award of up to $50,000 in grant funds.
The 2026 nomination window has now closed. Check back in October to view our finalists and vote for the People's Choice Award!
Nominations Accepted: April 6 – April 24
Semi-finalists Notified: May 11
Semi-finalist Applications Due from Nonprofits: May 29
Finalists Notified: July 17
People Helping People Awards Celebration: December
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