OnPoint Credit Union awards $500,000 in grants to nonprofits in Oregon and SW Washington

OnPoint Community Credit Union has awarded more than $500,000 in grants to 59 nonprofit organizations across Oregon and Southwest Washington. The funding supports programs focused on education, foster youth, food security, housing stability, workforce development and access to summer camp for underserved children.

The grants are part of the credit union's bi-annual Community Grants & Giving program, aimed at building strong communities across the region.

OnPoint Community Credit Union's Community Grants & Giving program awards grants to community-based organizations whose work aligns with the credit union's core impact values. These values include education, financial wellness, housing stability, food security and youth development.

Rob Stuart, president and chief executive officer of OnPoint Community Credit Union, highlighted the importance of these investments. “Investing in the well-being of our communities is central to who we are,” Stuart said. “These organizations are doing critical work to create opportunity, stability and connection for people across our region and we're proud to help support their missions.”

The bi-annual grant program supports local nonprofits year-round, with eligible organizations able to apply for programmatic or general operating support during two annual application periods each spring and fall. Funding decisions are made by OnPoint's Community Relations Committee within 90 days of each application cycle closing.

Among the spring grant recipients, Dream for Life Outreach received $15,000 to expand community meal and outreach programs in Southwest Washington. The funding will cover costs for food, meal-preparation supplies, serving equipment and outreach materials, helping to sustain and expand efforts to assist people facing food insecurity amid rising food costs.

SMART Reading was awarded $20,000 for literacy programming and the distribution of inclusive books for children in Title I schools in Marion, Polk and other counties across Oregon This support will help recruit and train volunteers, expand access to diverse books and strengthen family literacy engagement. Only 40% of Oregon third graders met or exceeded reading standards in 2025 and research indicates that children not reading proficiently by third grade are less likely to graduate high school and are more prone to experiencing poverty and housing insecurity later in life.

The Willamalane Park Foundation received $15,000 to provide scholarships for children in Springfield to attend summer camp. Dani Thompson, a representative for the Willamalane Park Foundation, underscored the timely nature of the support. “Support from community partners like OnPoint couldn't come at a better time as summer camp season gets underway and families look for affordable opportunities for their children,” Thompson said. “OnPoint's generosity helps ensure local kids have access to safe, enriching summer experiences while providing families with child care support. We're honored to be part of this round of grant recipients and grateful for OnPoint's investment in local youth and families.” The donation helps working families access reliable child care and recreation opportunities, with the Willamalane Park & Recreation District serving more than 300 children across 15 camps and more than 100 weeks of programming.

Salem Angels received $5,000 to support mentorship and relationship-building programs for local foster youth and families experiencing foster care. Oregon has faced significant foster care challenges, with nearly 6,800 children experiencing foster care statewide last year, including nearly 570 in Marion and Polk counties. Marion County has also seen a 72% decrease in available general foster homes since 2012. Salem Angels works to reverse this trend by providing personalized care packages and resources for foster families, as well as mentorship opportunities designed to help children build confidence, stability and community connections.

BendNEXT received $3,500 to fund leadership development scholarships for 10 emerging leaders in Central Oregon. The program includes skills-development workshops, networking opportunities and year-round mentorship circles aimed at strengthening the region's workforce pipeline. Central Oregon employers continue to face workforce challenges tied to high housing costs and child care shortages, which can create barriers to professional development and long-term talent retention.

OnPoint Community Credit Union maintains a 94-year legacy of building strong communities, having been founded by schoolteachers in 1932. In addition to its grant program, OnPoint supports communities year-round through event sponsorships, employee volunteerism, financial education initiatives and nonprofit partnerships across Oregon and Southwest Washington In 2025, OnPoint donated more than $4 million to more than 350 nonprofit organizations throughout the region.

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in Oregon, serving more than 648,000 members. Membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties and one of four Washington counties and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.

Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for the Community Grants & Giving program during annual application periods held each spring and fall.