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.
Voting is now closed, but you can still learn more about our incredible 2025 finalists by viewing the videos below.
Our 2025 People Helping People Award winners will be announced in December. Thank you for voting!
Our Finalists
Agriculture and Forestry Education Foundation
AgForestry strengthens Washington's natural resource industries by equipping emerging leaders with hands-on education in agriculture, forestry, and civic systems, while fostering global awareness and community impact.
Banchero Disability Partners
Banchero Disability Partners champions inclusive living by providing comprehensive support and education for adults with developmental disabilities, empowering them to lead self-directed lives and engage fully in their communities.
Charleston Women in Tech
Charleston Women in Tech drives diversity in STEM by connecting and mentoring women across generations, building a thriving and inclusive tech community.
Crisis Connections
Crisis Connections connects people in distress to essential services, easing emotional strain and helping communities stay safe and supported.
End of Life Washington
End of Life Washington guides individuals through end-of-life planning and choices, advocating for dignity, compassion, and autonomy in the final stages of life.
Feed Needs
Feed Needs advances food equity in South Puget Sound by providing weekly distributions, shared housing, and holistic support to individuals facing economic and health challenges.
Gatheringplace
Gatheringplace promotes opportunity, awareness and inclusion for adults with developmental and other disabilities with programs designed to teach important life and personal development skills while providing a safe environment for participants to connect with their peers and their community.
Idea Project
The IDEA Project fosters empathy and inclusion in schools by helping students understand disabilities through hands-on, age-appropriate education.
InvestED
InvestED supports Washington students in need by providing immediate, barrier-free access to essentials like food, clothing and school participation costs.
Kicheko Project
Kicheko Project builds inclusive futures by connecting culture, education, and innovation in support of BIPOC youth and families.
Mi Centro
Mi Centro cultivates the advancement of the Latino and indigenous communities by providing social services and educational programming while honoring heritage and culture through the arts.
Muslimahs Against Abuse Center
Muslimahs Against Abuse Center empowers communities through culturally sensitive programs that address domestic violence, substance prevention, and emotional healing.
Olympia Free Clinic
Olympia Free Clinic provides free, high-quality medical and mental health care to uninsured and underinsured adults, bridging gaps in access with compassion and equity.
Orion Industries
Orion Industries creates pathways to employment for individuals facing barriers by combining vocational training with real-world experience in aerospace and manufacturing.
Phoenix Conservancy
Phoenix Conservancy restores endangered ecosystems across the globe, empowering communities and protecting biodiversity through sustainable, locally driven conservation.
Refugee and Immigrant Connections Spokane
Refugee and Immigrant Connections Spokane supports refugee and immigrant families by connecting them to vital services, fostering belonging, and advocating for their rights.
Thurston County Washington Explorer Search and Rescue
Thurston County Washington Explorer Search and Rescue serves the community through search and rescue missions, partnering with law enforcement to locate missing persons and assist in disaster response.
Washington Association of Child Advocate Programs
Washington Association of Child Advocate Programs advances child welfare by equipping local advocates with tools, training, and resources to serve children in court and community settings.
- BECU member nominations: April 7- 25
- Voting: October 27 – November 7
- People Helping People Awards Celebration: December 11
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 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
- 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.
Questions?
Contact the BECU social impact team: communityrelations@becu.org