SAN JOSE, Calif. & HILLSBORO, Ore.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--First Tech Federal Credit Union, the nation’s eighth largest credit union, announced today that it contributed $4.1 million in funding of nonprofit organizations across California, Oregon, and Washington. Support included $2.5 million in direct charitable giving, and a record-breaking $1.6 million in fundraising for Credit Unions for Kids through efforts made by First Tech’s dedicated members, employees, and the broader community.
Throughout the year, First Tech’s charitable giving program focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations that are removing systemic barriers and providing necessary resources to underserved communities in the areas of education, research, and innovation. Alongside the credit union’s charitable giving, First Tech employees are dedicated to participating in community engagement efforts and will contribute more than 15,000 volunteer hours this year and personally donate an additional $220,000 to nonprofit organizations.
“I’m proud of the work our employees, members and nonprofit partners have accomplished this year to support our community,” said Greg Mitchell, President and CEO of First Tech Federal Credit Union. “Each year, we strive to exemplify the credit union difference of people helping people and none of this would be possible without our incredible members who choose First Tech as their trusted financial institution. Together, we’re creating change and supporting organizations that ensure children and families have the resources they need to thrive.”
Capping off year-end giving, First Tech recently wrapped up its annual Season of Giving campaign which brought together members, employees, and the broader community to help direct $225,000 to nonprofit organizations through voting and volunteerism. In addition to financial support for participating nonprofits, this program also encourages teams of five employees to volunteer with local nonprofits through the 5 for $500 program; each resulting in a $500 contribution to nonprofits employees are passionate about.
Community Partner Spotlight
One of the 5 for $500 partners through this year’s Season of Giving campaign is Centro Cultural, a nonprofit in Washington County that provides a home for Latino cultures and serves the needs of a diverse community by promoting personal growth and empowerment. First Tech has partnered with Centro over the course of five years, primarily supporting STEM education initiatives. However, in 2021 employees recognized an opportunity to build a Community Garden at First Tech’s headquarters in Hillsboro, Oregon and identified Centro as the partner organization.
The food grown in the community garden is donated to Centro’s Free Food Mercado, which was established as a need during the pandemic to tackle increased food insecurity within the local community. The community garden supplies fresh fruits and vegetables to the Mercado which feeds over 4,000 people per month.
“The First Tech and Centro partnership that we’re creating is a very impactful and profound one. It’s very good to have a partner that’s listening to what it is that we need and to work with us to serve the community as best we can,” said Ivan Ortiz Mata, Free Food Mercado Program Manager, Centro Cultural.
First Tech has built similar meaningful relationships with over 128 nonprofit partners to support critical programs.
Additional First Tech community partners include:
California First Tech Grant Partners:
- HealthRIGHT 360
- Junior Achievement of Sacramento
- Lotus Bloom
- Second Harvest Food Bank
- Silicon Valley Education Foundation
- Valley Verde
Oregon First Tech Grant Partners:
- Beaverton Education Foundation
- Hillsboro Schools Foundation
- Oregon Food Bank
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
- Oregon Zoo
Washington First Tech Grant Partners:
ABOUT FIRST TECH FEDERAL CREDIT UNION’S COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
First Tech Federal Credit Union is committed to supporting the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators. In 2021, First Tech provided over $2.5 million in charitable giving to 120 organizations and more than 81% of employees participated in community engagement; directing dollars and time to nonprofit partners who provide programs and services to children and families in need. First Tech’s philanthropic focus areas include support for education (STEM, early childhood literacy, financial education, and scholarships), research (Credit Union for Kids and Supportive Health Service) and innovation (food, safety and shelter). Visit www.firsttechfed.com/community to learn more about the ways First Tech pays it forward throughout the year.
ABOUT FIRST TECH FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
First Tech Federal Credit Union is a $16.5 billion institution headquartered in San Jose, California. It is the nation’s premier credit union serving the world’s leading technology-oriented companies and their employees, including HP Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Microsoft, Agilent, Intel, Cisco, Amazon, Nike, Intuit, Google, and more. First Tech is recognized as the industry catalyst for delivering effortless banking experiences to more than 680,000 members through its 33 branch locations, more than 5,600 CO-OP Shared Branch locations, 30,000 CO-OP Network ATMs, and online platforms. First Tech offers a full range of financial services, including traditional banking, online banking, mortgages, financial.
