In Focus – SCCCU Blog

The RETURN THE FAVOR campaign, sponsored by Santa Cruz Community Credit Union (SCCCU), officially ended on November 30, 2021, bringing in a little over $158,000 for 12 non-profit organizations participating in the campaign.

“We’re thrilled to be able to give back to our local non-profit organizations who need help right now,” stated Katie Fairbairn, SCCCU’s VP of Communication and Organizational Development. “We are also very grateful our Board of Directors approved a match for all community donations up to $75,000. It’s gratifying to be able to give money back to these organizations who do so much for those most vulnerable in our community.”

Here are the 12 organizations who were recipients of the RETURN THE FAVOR funds this year:

• Community Action Board (CAB)
• Community Bridges
• Diversity Center
• El Pájaro CDC
• Grey Bears
• Housing Matters
• Homeless Garden Project
• Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes
• Pajaro Valley Shelter Services
• SC Volunteer Center
• Second Harvest Food Bank
• Valley Churches United

Additionally, the Credit Union sponsored three organizations (Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, Homeless Garden Project, and Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes) to receive additional funds through the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLB) grant matching program, a total of $25,000.

“We’re grateful to the FHLB and are thrilled they approved the additional funds for these organizations,” explained Fairbairn. “We’re confident the money will help so many in need, especially over the holidays.

For 2021, the Credit Union contributed over $240,000 through donations, sponsorships, community giving programs, and FHLB grant sponsorships. "As a certificate community development credit union, we pledge to continue to support our community in a way that creates change, including more access to financial services and financial learning," stated Beth Carr, SCCCU's President/CEO.

The Credit Union plans to sponsor the RETURN THE FAVOR campaign again in 2022.