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A co-operative approach to community impact.


 
 

Community Impact

As a values-based, cooperative financial institution we work closely with our members, community builders and the small business and non-profit sectors in the communities we serve.

Each year we reinvest 10% of our net profits back into community impact initiatives that empower communities. Initiatives include community development partnerships, capacity-building programming for the non-profit and small business, leadership development for youth, post-secondary scholarships, financial literacy resources, branch donations ($100-500), impact donations ($500+, intakes held in Feb and Aug), sponsorships and patient loans for social enterprises

Our impact focus areas are carefully aligned with our vision to build financially healthy communities and our purpose to empower through knowledge.

  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: We take action in our communities to create an equitable, inclusive economy that creates opportunity for all, for the long term.
  • Environmental Sustainability: We work towards greater sustainability every year by regularly monitoring and thoughtfully decreasing our own impact and emissions while supporting community-based environmental initiatives.
  • Local Economic Development: We contribute to resilient and prosperous communities through local engagement, giving and volunteerism.

Donations

1. Branch Donations

Open year-round

Are you a community account holder or non-profit member? Requests for donations between $100 - $500 are accepted on an ongoing basis.

2. Impact Donations

Two intakes:

  • February 15 - March 15
  • August 1 - 31

Impact donations help us empower important social and environmental impact initiatives in the communities we serve. Intakes are in held biannually in February and August and both members and non-members can apply, though preference is given to members and initiatives must align with our focus areas; diversity, equity and inclusion, environmental sustainability, and local economic development. We strive to achieve a balance between initiatives that meet immediate community need (e.g., food hampers) and those that foster systemic change (e.g., environmental sustainability or local housing needs planning).

Sponsorships

Working on an event/project that will generate positive impact in the community and looking for a sponsor? We're always looking to create meaningful partnerships. Applications for sponsorships are now open for local organizations!

Preference is given to applicants with values aligned with our impact focus area of: Diversity, equity & inclusion, environmental sustainability, and local economic development.

Contact us at marketing@firstcu.ca if you have any questions.

 

Scholarships

One way we live our purpose to 'empower through knowledge' is by offering financial support through First Credit Union Scholarships. Scholarships are open to all members attending post secondary programs, including life-long (mature) learners.

Member scholarship awards are $1,500 and are available to all members in good standing for one year or more. Applications are viewed through a diversity, equity and inclusion lens and challenges or barriers to education are consider as well as the educational connection to our areas of focus; diversity, equity and inclusion, environmental sustainability, and local economic development. We strive to invest scholarship dollars equitably across the communities we serve.

Scholarship intakes begin on May 15th, with a deadline of July 15th. Awards are announced in early August. Due to the high volume of requests, only those selected for a scholarship will be notified.

Contact us at community@firstcu.ca if you have any questions.

 
 

Youth Leadership Camp

We sponsor youth (14 to 18) to attend YES Leadership Camp - a week-long summer camp that teaches leadership and team-building skills.

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YES Leadership Camp:

Three simple steps are needed to access this opportunity

  1. Head to The YES Website to register
  2. Select 'Full Sponsorship' at checkout
  3. Enter your FCU Membership Number
 

Being a member has its benefits...

First Credit Union is proud to help BC students reach their post-secondary education goals through the Credit Unions of BC Bursary Program. Submit your bursary application today and get help towards funding your future!

 

Financial Literacy

Financial literacy is the first step toward establishing healthy financial habits. With this in mind we often offer free information session on basic products and services like RRSPs or RESPs to community groups. One way we can help members and the communities we serve with financial literacy is through Each One, Teach One (EOTO) workshops and online self-pace modules. EOTO is a Canada-wide credit union system partnership designed to educate the public and create healthy financial habits that get passed down to positively impact generations to come.  

Contact us about hosting an EOTO workshop or explore the free, online financial literacy modules.

Read more about financial literacy

 

Wondering how we've been making a difference in our communities?

Read our 2022 Community Impact Report

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Are you a non-profit looking for opportunities?

Sign up to get the occasional email about opportunities in the non-profit and social-profit space in the communities we serve.