OCCU Foundation gave back nearly $1 million to the community in 2022

At OCCU, our vision is to enrich lives. While that means providing support and walking alongside our members on their financial journey, it also includes giving back and supporting causes to make a positive impact in the neighborhoods we serve. 

With each passing year, our reach gets wider, our contributions go farther, and we find new ways to encourage community support. 

Since 2018, OCCU Foundation has donated more than $3 million in grants to support health, education and basic needs throughout Oregon. The foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded by OCCU, businesses, families and individuals. 

How OCCU Foundation made an impact in 2022 

2022 was OCCU Foundation's biggest year yet. In total, the foundation distributed $919,497 to nonprofits and charitable organizations; the largest annual total in its five-year history! Forty-nine percent of that total went toward health-related causes, 27% toward education and 24% toward community-building initiatives. 

Some of the projects OCCU Foundation supported in 2022 include: 

• FOOD for Lane County’s Summer Food Program. During the summer, a gap in nutrition services opens as school lunches are not available. OCCU Foundation’s grant provided 7,800 meals for area families at risk of food insecurity in Eugene, Springfield and surrounding rural areas. 

• The Eugene Family YMCA. OCCU Foundation has partnered with the Eugene Family YMCA for Financial Literacy, sponsoring the Youth Learning Lab, a flexible space for K-12 students to explore STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields and engage their creativity. It will also be the epicenter for youth programs ranging from summer camps to after-school care.  

• Scholarships for higher education. In 2022, OCCU Foundation funded $225,750 in scholarships for Oregon students. Recipients include first-generation and low-income students who major in a variety of subjects, including nursing and education, at institutions ranging from Lane Community College to the PathwayOregon program at the University of Oregon. 

“We’re pleased to support so many programs and nonprofit agencies in our region in their work to help our communities thrive,” said Ron Neumann, OCCU president & CEO and OCCU Foundation chair. “We are grateful for the support we have received, and we look forward to new opportunities to positively impact our community in the years ahead.” 

Learn more about OCCU Foundation 

The foundation’s 2022 impact report showcases the many ways it has supported our neighborhoods. 

OCCU Foundation is largely funded by OCCU’s corporate philanthropy and member contributions. A portion of contributions come from OCCU employees and through an annual golf tournament. In 2022, the tournament raised more than $190,000 for local food security initiatives for children and families.  

At OCCU Foundation, we’re advancing learning, promoting health and supporting communities. We’re able to do this, and more, because of our members. 

Learn more and discover ways you can partner with the foundation.