OnPoint Community Credit Union Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3.8 million (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 90 days from application close
• Grant Range: $100 - $200,000+ (depending on program)
• Geographic Focus: Oregon and Southwest Washington
• Application Period: August 1 - September 15 (annual)
• Organizations Funded: 331 nonprofits (2024)

Contact Details

Website: https://www.onpointcu.com/apply-for-funding/

Email: community.relations@onpointcu.com

Phone: Contact through website

Mailing Address: Portland, Oregon

Pre-Application Support: Contact Community Relations team for questions about eligibility and application process

Overview

OnPoint Community Credit Union Foundation (EIN 93-4738169) was established by OnPoint Community Credit Union, which was founded by teachers over 90 years ago. The foundation manages the credit union's community giving program, which has grown significantly in recent years, reaching a record-breaking $3.8 million in grants to 331 nonprofits across Oregon and Southwest Washington in 2024. The foundation focuses on two core impact values: Economic Opportunity and Community Vitality. With assets of approximately $10 million, the foundation operates with a volunteer board and distributes grants without operating expenses, ensuring maximum impact for the communities served. The foundation has consistently increased its giving year-over-year for five consecutive years, demonstrating strong commitment to community investment. In 2024, OnPoint Community Credit Union was named Oregon's Most Admired Financial Services Company, reflecting the organization's dedication to its foundational ideal of "people helping people."

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Grants (Primary Program)

• Amount: $100 - $10,000 for standard grants; larger grants available through special programs
• Application Method: Online portal during annual application period
• Timing: August 1 - September 15 annually
• Frequency: Organizations may submit one request per calendar year

Member Impact Fund Grants

• Amount: $100,000 - $200,000
• Description: Larger grants awarded in partnership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines for significant community impact projects, particularly focused on housing, community development, and environmental stewardship
• Example Awards: Hacienda CDC ($200,000 for affordable housing), Habitat for Humanity Portland Region ($100,000)

Prize for Excellence in Education

• Amount: $193,000 total annual awards
• Breakdown:
  • Four Educator of the Year awards: Mortgage/rent paid for one year
  • Four runner-up educators: $5,000 each
  • Four schools: $2,000 Community Builder awards each
  • One school (selected by community vote): $5,000
• Eligibility: Full-time classroom teachers, counselors, school administrators, or librarians in grades Pre-K-12 in accredited public, private, or charter schools
• Nomination Period: Typically February - April
• Total Investment Since 2010: Over $1 million to 347 educators and schools

Event Sponsorships

• Amount: $100 - $10,000
• Application Method: Rolling basis
• Timing: Must submit at least 90 days prior to event
• Frequency: One event sponsorship request per 12-month rolling period

Scholarship Program

• Amount: Two $10,000 scholarships and four $5,000 scholarships annually
• Partnership: Administered with Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA)
• Total Awarded Since 2018: $141,000 to 37 students

Priority Areas

Economic Opportunity

• Early Learning & Development: Programs providing access to early childhood education, preschool readiness, and literacy initiatives
• STEM & Career Development: Organizations furthering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, career exploration, and skill-building programs
• Youth Mentorship: Safe, sustainable after-school programs, tutoring, and mentorship opportunities
• Financial Literacy: Programs empowering youth and adults with essential financial knowledge for informed decision-making
• Entrepreneurship & Small Business Support: Business coaching, education, and funding opportunities to help small businesses and entrepreneurs thrive

Community Vitality

• Financial Education & Workforce Development: Programs building financial capability and job skills
• Community Development: Initiatives strengthening neighborhoods and local infrastructure
• Food & Shelter Support: Organizations addressing food and housing insecurity, including food banks and rent assistance programs
• Environmental Stewardship: Climate change initiatives and conservation programs
• Youth Services: Programs supporting young people's development and well-being

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

• Organizations demonstrating strong DEI values and practices receive priority consideration
• Over $1.5 million directed to DEI-focused organizations in 2024
• DEI can be demonstrated through programs and actions, leadership team diversity, and organizational policies/procedures

What They Don't Fund

• Personal study, research, travel, or individual scholarships (outside of established scholarship program)
• Team sponsorships
• Tournaments
• Sports equipment
• Sports camps
• Rotaries
• Booster club activities
• Organizations outside Oregon and Southwest Washington service area

Governance and Leadership

Credit Union Leadership

Robert "Rob" Stuart - President/CEO

• Leads OnPoint Community Credit Union's strategic direction and community engagement initiatives
• Quote: "As a financial cooperative, we exist to serve our members and improve the communities we call home. Reaching these milestones is a proud moment we share with each of our members, employees, and community partners."
• Quote on community giving: "This recognition from the Portland Business Journal truly belongs to our dedicated employees, loyal members and community partners. Their commitment to uplifting our communities drives everything we do, and we're honored to work together to create lasting positive impact across Oregon and Southwest Washington."
• Quote on philosophy: "Our purpose is to build strong communities, and we are dedicated to the credit union foundational ideal of 'people helping people.'"

Foundation Board

Jeanne Enders - Chair

• Volunteer board leadership
• Specific board composition details not publicly disclosed

Decision-Making

Community Relations Committee

• Reviews all grant applications
• Makes funding decisions within 90 days of application close date
• Evaluates alignment with OnPoint's impact values and strategic priorities
• Contact: community.relations@onpointcu.com

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Standard Community Grants:

1. Visit https://www.onpointcu.com/apply-for-funding/
2. Review eligibility requirements and focus areas
3. Submit online application during the annual application period (August 1 - September 15)
4. One application per organization per calendar year (January - December)

Event Sponsorships:

1. Submit through same online portal
2. Applications accepted on rolling basis
3. Must submit at least 90 days prior to event start date
4. One event sponsorship request per 12-month rolling period

Prize for Excellence in Education:

1. Visit onpointprize.com
2. Submit nominations during nomination period (typically February - April)
3. Self-nominations accepted
4. Community voting period for Community Builder Award

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
• Service area must be within Oregon or Southwest Washington
• Programming must align with Economic Opportunity and/or Community Vitality focus areas
• Organizations serving OnPoint's footprint counties are eligible

Decision Timeline

Application Review: Community Relations Committee reviews applications after the close of the application period

Decision Timeframe: Within 90 days of application close date (approximately by mid-December for August-September submissions)

Notification Method: Applicants are notified of funding decisions via email and/or through the online application portal

Funding Distribution: Timing varies by grant type; typically distributed after decisions are finalized

Success Rates

OnPoint does not publicly disclose specific success rate data or the total number of applications received. However, context clues suggest:

• 331 organizations received funding in 2024 out of $3.8 million total
• Average grant size approximately $11,500 (based on 2024 totals)
• The foundation increased giving by a record amount in 2024, representing the fifth consecutive year of growth
• Organizations demonstrating strong DEI alignment receive priority consideration

Reapplication Policy

Standard Grants: Organizations may submit one request per calendar year (January - December). The policy does not specify restrictions for previously unsuccessful applicants, suggesting organizations can reapply in subsequent years.

Event Sponsorships: Organizations may submit one event sponsorship request per 12-month rolling period.

No explicit waiting period for unsuccessful applicants is documented; the limitation is one application per calendar year regardless of previous outcomes.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with OnPoint's Values

People Helping People Philosophy: OnPoint was founded by teachers 90 years ago and maintains strong commitment to community-first values. Applications should demonstrate how your organization embodies collaborative, community-centered approaches.

DEI as a Priority: Strong consideration given to organizations demonstrating diversity, equity, and inclusion through:

• Program design and delivery
• Leadership team composition
• Organizational policies and procedures
• Community impact on underserved populations

More than $1.5 million of OnPoint's 2024 giving went to DEI-focused organizations, making this a critical success factor.

Clear Connection to Economic Opportunity or Community Vitality

Applications must demonstrate clear alignment with at least one of OnPoint's two core impact values:

• Economic Opportunity: Financial literacy, STEM education, career development, youth mentorship, entrepreneurship support
• Community Vitality: Workforce development, community development, food/housing security, environmental stewardship, youth services

Geographic Impact

Priority given to organizations making measurable impact in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Applications should clearly articulate:

• Which communities you serve within OnPoint's footprint
• How many people benefit from your programs
• Specific outcomes achieved in the region

Financial Education Connection

Given OnPoint's credit union roots, organizations that incorporate financial education components or economic empowerment into their programs may have an advantage. Over $600,000 in 2024 donations went to financial education-focused nonprofits.

Demonstrated Outcomes

OnPoint has partnered with high-impact organizations like:

• Junior Achievement (invested $200,000 for program expansion serving thousands of K-12 students)
• Financial Beginnings (partnered since 2008, donated $50,000, engaged 2,500 students)
• De La Salle North Catholic High School (20+ year partnership providing work-study opportunities)

These partnerships suggest OnPoint values:

• Long-term relationships with proven organizations
• Programs with measurable student/participant engagement
• Scalable impact models

Youth Focus

Many of OnPoint's largest grants support youth-serving organizations. Programs serving young people in education, mentorship, early learning, or career development align well with the foundation's priorities.

Practical Application Tips

For Event Sponsorships: Submit well in advance (90-day minimum) and clearly articulate how the event aligns with OnPoint's impact values, not just the organization's mission.

One Application Per Year: Make your application count. Since organizations can only apply once per calendar year, ensure your application represents your strongest program or most compelling need.

DEI Documentation: Explicitly address DEI in your application. Don't assume reviewers will infer your DEI commitment—state it clearly with specific examples.

Community Relations Contact: Don't hesitate to contact community.relations@onpointcu.com with questions about eligibility or program fit before applying. OnPoint appears to value relationship-building with potential partners.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Strong DEI alignment is critical: With over $1.5 million directed to DEI organizations in 2024, demonstrating robust diversity, equity, and inclusion practices significantly strengthens applications.

2. Choose your timing wisely: With only one application opportunity per calendar year (August 1-September 15), ensure your proposal represents your organization's best and most aligned program.

3. Think beyond small grants: While standard grants range from $100-$10,000, OnPoint also awards significant Member Impact Fund grants ($100,000-$200,000+) for major community development, housing, and environmental projects.

4. Financial education matters: OnPoint's credit union roots mean programs incorporating financial literacy, economic empowerment, or entrepreneurship support align particularly well with their mission.

5. Youth-focused programs are prioritized: From the Prize for Excellence in Education to partnerships with Junior Achievement and youth mentorship programs, OnPoint demonstrates strong commitment to serving young people.

6. Long-term partnerships are valued: Organizations like Financial Beginnings (partnered since 2008) and De La Salle North Catholic High School (20+ years) show OnPoint values sustained relationships with proven impact.

7. Geographic specificity strengthens applications: Clearly articulate which Oregon and Southwest Washington communities you serve and provide specific outcome data for the region.

References

• OnPoint Community Credit Union Apply for Funding page: https://www.onpointcu.com/apply-for-funding/ (Accessed March 10, 2026)
• GoWest Association, "Oregon & SW Washington Nonprofits Receive $3.8 Million from OnPoint Community Credit Union in 2024," December 20, 2024: https://gowestassociation.org/2024/12/20/oregon-sw-washington-nonprofits-receive-3-8-million-from-onpoint-community-credit-union-in-2024/
• OnPoint Prize for Excellence in Education: https://www.onpointcu.com/onpoint-prize/ (Accessed March 10, 2026)
• PR Newswire, "OnPoint Community Credit Union Named Oregon's Most Admired Financial Services Company in 2024," December 13, 2024
• Hacienda CDC, "Four Local Nonprofits Awarded $600,000 by OnPoint Community Credit Union & Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines": https://www.haciendacdc.org/news-updates/onpoint-fhlb (Accessed March 10, 2026)
• Cause IQ, "2023 Form 990 for Onpoint Community Credit Union Foundation," EIN 93-4738169: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/view_990/934738169/9da7ab082df9f98e68f3adf8341867e9 (Accessed March 10, 2026)
• Grantable.co, "OnPoint Community Credit Union Foundation Profile & Grants": https://www.grantable.co/search/funders/profile/onpoint-community-credit-union-us-foundation-934738169 (Accessed March 10, 2026)
• Instrumentl, "OnPoint Community Credit Union: Events & Sponsorships Grant": https://www.instrumentl.com/grants/onpoint-community-credit-union-events-sponsorships (Accessed March 10, 2026)
• OnPoint Community Credit Union, "Community Giving": https://www.onpointcu.com/community-giving/ (Accessed March 10, 2026)
• The Columbian, "Southwest Washington and Oregon nonprofits receive $3.8 Million from Onpoint Community Credit Union," December 28, 2024: https://www.columbian.com/news/2024/dec/28/southwest-washington-and-oregon-nonprofits-receive-3-8-million-from-onpoint-community-credit-union/