Moving our communities forward by giving back
Driven by one of the principles that credit unions were founded upon “people helping people”, giving back has been at the heart of Unitus since our founding in 1937. We believe in doing the right thing for our employees, members, and local communities.
How we reach out to our communities
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Partnerships
We partner with schools, organizations, and nonprofits to help advance their mission.
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Giving
We invest in our communities through sponsorships and donations that support vital community programs and services.
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Volunteering
Our employees are passionate about making a difference and donate over 3,200 service hours annually.
Where we focus our efforts
In 2021, Unitus will have invested the most in our communities totaling $450,000, with 30% in support of culturally specific, BIPOC led, community-based organizations, with programs serving communities of color.
Our Giving Pillars
- Youth Development – Programs and organizations that provide educational opportunities for positive youth development to help local youth achieve their full potential.
- Health & Well-Being – Programs and organizations that provide shelter, food, and clothing for vulnerable families and individuals.
- Arts and Culture – Organizations that encourage attendance and participation in local arts and culture programs while uplifting efforts for cultural inclusion, diversity, and education.
- Disaster Relief – Organizations that support relief and recovery efforts for victims of natural disasters.
Removing barriers in our communities and inspiring hope is the purpose of our work every day. I’ve seen firsthand how the Credit Union Movement has enabled individuals and families to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. That’s what we strive for at Unitus.
Supporting Higher Education
Each year we award scholarships to student members and child dependents of Unitus employees. Additionally, we support local causes vital to our communities:
Western Oregon University Bilinguals Scholars Program
Unitus has partnered with Western Oregon University, the only four-year public university in Oregon to have achieved the Emerging Hispanic Serving Institution designation. Unitus’ collaboration with the WOU Division of Education & Leadership expands the Bilingual Teachers Scholars Program (“WOU Scholars”) program to reach a cohort of eight students at community colleges, providing university education to become Spanish-English bilingual teachers.
In addition to receiving three-year scholarships, students will receive professional development, dual language development, high-quality advising, mentorship, tutoring, and test prep support. Graduates receive first preference for interviews and future employment in Oregon schools, allowing them to return and make a difference in their community.
Inspiring Hope and Mentorship
Our heart and efforts have always been about helping others in our community. Learn more about these unique partnerships and the young lives they change.
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Dream Come True - Oregon State Football & Basketball
Unitus Community Credit Union, Beaver Sports Properties, and Oregon State have partnered to create the Dream Come True Program.
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Rose Festival Court Program
Unitus is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Rose Festival Court. We pair a Unitus mentor to each princess to provide career advice and leadership guidance.
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Dream Come True - Portland Timbers & Thorns
Unitus Community Credit Union has partnered with the Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns FC to bring memorable experiences to children and their families.
Portland Business Journal - Annual Corporate Philanthropy Award
The Portland Business Journal’s annual Corporate Philanthropy Awards recognizes local companies for providing exceptional service to the greater Portland community. Donations over $300,000 to Northwest nonprofits in 2020 earned Unitus Community Credit Union fourth place ranking of Portland Metro’s top ten corporate philanthropists. Unitus is honored to have earned this honor for the 11th consecutive year.
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