FOLSOM, California – (Nov. 14, 2019) – SAFE Credit Union was awarded for its generous philanthropic giving by Association of Fundraising Professionals California Capital Chapter for National Philanthropy Day.
SAFE received the 2019 National Philanthropy Day Outstanding Organization Award at a luncheon at the Hyatt Regency in Sacramento on Nov. 13.
“SAFE is very honored to receive this recognition for our philanthropic efforts,” said Amanda Merz, SAFE Credit Union community and advocacy engagement manager. “As a not-for-profit, collective financial institution, it’s
engraved into our mission to support our communities. We serve our members and those who serve the community by giving more than $300,000 a year through grants, scholarships, and volunteering.”
SAFE Board Chair Terrance Tremelling, Engagement Manager Amanda Merz, Customer Representative Britanny Dao, and COO Jim Allen
SAFE focuses its giving in three areas: supporting education; improving health; and supporting current and former members of the U.S. military. It also encourages its employees to volunteer by providing 16 hours of paid time off for staff members to give
their time to causes they’re passionate about.
In 2019, some of the grants SAFE made included:
- $120,000 to be distributed over four years to Los Rios Community College District for scholarships and to benefit program assistants at American River College STEM center
- $10,000 to Stand Down Sacramento as a matching grant to help the nonprofit serving veterans in need after the organization experienced a devastating theft.
- $20,000 in scholarships to U.C. Davis Medical School students, $10,000 to high school students, $2,000 to students of SAFE staff members, and $10,000 to the Air Force scholarship fund
- $20,000 to the Sutter Medical Center Foundation.
- $10,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Sacramento for it to expand mentoring services in schools.
National Philanthropy Day provides an opportunity to celebrate all forms of philanthropy, including giving, volunteering, and charitable engagement. It also serves as a grassroots movement to increase awareness and knowledge so people can practice
effective philanthropy.
About SAFE
SAFE Credit Union has made members an integral part of its vision since 1940. Over the years the credit union has kept the focus on what really matters, putting members first, a formula that has seen SAFE grow into a leading financial institution in Northern
California with nearly $3 billion in assets and about 235,000 members. SAFE crafts every cutting-edge product and sterling service with members’ needs foremost in mind. In addition to banking services conveniently available through online, chat,
mobile, or phone options, SAFE offers in-person care for members and small businesses at service centers across the Greater Sacramento region and a mortgage lending office serving Contra Costa and Alameda counties. SAFE is a not-for-profit, state-chartered
credit union with membership open to businesses and individuals living or working in Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Sutter, Butte, Nevada, Solano, San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Yuba, Amador, and Alameda counties. Insured by NCUA. www.safecu.org