Education CU launches foundation to enhance community outreach

Amarillo-based Education Credit Union has launched the Education Credit Union Foundation, whose mission is to promote public trust in philanthropy as well as academic, financial, and cultural learning.

“The Foundation is being formed to continue and grow the legacy of community involvement and caring for which the credit union has such a rich track record,” said Foundation Executive Director Tricia Bass. “The Foundation promotes upward socio-economic mobility of children and adults in the Texas Panhandle community.”

The Foundation’s three main areas of focus are:

• Pocket Change Grants for school employees: Since 2009, ECU has awarded over half a million dollars in PCGs in the Texas Panhandle, and the Foundation will carry on with this program with the intention of awarding more grants to benefit more students. The application period is Aug. 1 to Oct. 15. Grant funds are delivered to school campuses prior to winter break each year.
• Scholarships: ECU is prepared to award four $4,000 scholarships to member-students each year.
• Philanthropy: The Foundation will award money to select 501(c)(3) organizations that request funds. The funding periods will be January to March, April to June, and July to September.

“We are eager to learn more about the needs of our community so we can continue to find ways to give more.” said Marcus Smith, interim CEO and Foundation president.

Foundation officers (left to right): President Marcus Smith, Executive Director
Tricia Bass, Vice President Lindsey Murphy, Secretary Haley Pate,
Treasurer Linda Purdy, and Director Buddy Stephens 

For more information or to contact the foundation’s representatives, you can visit: https://www.ecu-foundation.org