The People Helping People Awards are an annual member-led program that recognizes and supports great causes in our communities.
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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.
Please join us in congratulating our 2025 People Helping People Award winners, nominated by you — our members.
Member Volunteer of the Year:
Kicheko Project
Kicheko Project builds inclusive futures by connecting culture, education, and innovation in support of BIPOC youth and families.
People's Choice Award:
InvestED
InvestED supports Washington students in need by providing immediate, barrier-free access to essentials like food, clothing and school participation costs.
Employees' Choice Award:
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.
Past Recipients' Choice Award:
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.
Community Benefit Awards:
Agriculture and Forestry Education Foundation
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