BECU Is Dedicated to Community Involvement
BECU is committed to enriching strong communities. We are dedicated to improving lives through outreach efforts focused on homeownership, education, financial literacy, and support for the credit union movement. To learn more, read our
Sustainability Report.
BECU has partnered with Rebuilding Together South Sound for the past five years to give back to the community. Take a look at this year's project and see how we put our philosophy of "people helping people" into action.
Affordable Housing
Affordable Housing
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.
Sample Projects
Habitat for Humanity
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.
Housing Hope
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.
Impact Capital
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.
Education Support
Education Support
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:
Washington Business Week
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.
VIBES—Volunteers in the Bellevue Education System
This group matches volunteer mentors with at-risk students.
Snohomish County Boys & Girls Club
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.
Financial Literacy
Financial Literacy
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:
BALANCE Financial Counseling
This free counseling service for members provides debt management assistance.
Credit Union Movement
Credit Union Movement
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.
Read our Community Report (pdf)
Community Outreach Events (pdf)