Community
Two million meals and counting
The Summit Foundation is the credit union's charitable arm. It funds food security, disaster relief, and financial literacy in the places our members live — and it is paid for by the same cooperative surplus that funds our rates.
Since the Foundation was chartered
Every dollar is accounted for in the annual report, down to the administrative percentage.
Where the money goes
Three funding priorities, chosen by a member advisory panel and reviewed every two years.
Food security
Grants to regional food banks, school weekend backpack programs, and summer meal sites. This is where the two million meals came from, at an average cost of $1.14 each.
Disaster relief
Rapid-response grants released within 72 hours of a declared disaster, plus zero-interest emergency loans of up to $5,000 for affected members through the credit union.
Financial literacy
Classroom grants for personal finance instruction, in-school branches run by students, and free adult courses on credit, budgeting, and first-time homebuying.
The Summit Foundation is a separately governed charitable organization funded by the credit union and by voluntary member contributions. Grants are not loans and require no repayment.
In practice
Small grants, delivered quickly
Most of what the Foundation funds is unglamorous. A walk-in freezer for a rural pantry. A used van so a meal program can reach two more towns. Six months of a part-time coordinator's salary so a volunteer network does not collapse when its founder retires.
The median grant is $8,500, and the average decision takes 34 days. We publish both numbers because slow, opaque grantmaking is a real cost to organizations that are already stretched thin.
How to apply for a grant
Two cycles a year, plus a rolling disaster fund that never closes.
Check eligibility
Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) organization or a public school serving a community where Summit has members. Requests range from $2,500 to $50,000.
Submit a letter of inquiry
Two pages: what you do, what the money would fund, and what it would change. Cycles close March 15 and September 15.
Talk with a reviewer
Promising inquiries get a 30-minute conversation with a Foundation staff member and a member volunteer from the review panel.
Receive a decision
Awards are approved by the Foundation board within 34 days on average, and funds are disbursed in a single payment within two weeks of the award letter.
Common questions
Where does the Foundation's money come from?
Primarily an annual contribution from the credit union's surplus, approved by the board of directors, plus voluntary member donations and round-up contributions from debit card purchases.
Does applying affect my membership or my loan terms?
No. Grant decisions are made by a separate Foundation board and have no connection to any member's accounts, credit, or standing with the credit union.
Do you fund individuals?
Not through the grant program. Individual support runs through the scholarship program and, after a declared disaster, through emergency assistance for affected members.
How do I donate?
Turn on debit round-up in digital banking, set a recurring transfer to the Foundation fund, or give once at any branch. Every dollar donated by members is matched by the credit union up to $250,000 a year.
How fast is disaster relief?
Grants to established relief partners are released within 72 hours of a federal or state disaster declaration. Member emergency loans of up to $5,000 at 0% for twelve months open the same week.
Can my organization reapply?
Yes. Past grantees may apply in any future cycle, and organizations that complete a first grant successfully may request a two-year renewal instead of starting over.
Rates current as of July 2026 and subject to change. Membership eligibility required. This is a demonstration website; rates, products, and figures shown are illustrative only.
Put your round-up to work
Members who turn on debit round-up give an average of $63 a year. Matched by the credit union, that becomes about 110 meals.