Oregon State Credit Union Celebrates Year of Impact: Empowering People and Strengthening Communities

In this season of giving, Oregon State Credit Union is wrapping up a year of service and generosity, guided by its unwavering commitment to financial wellness, education and giving back to its communities.

In 2025, Oregon State Credit Union delivered measurable impact for its members by increasing access to affordable housing, awarding student scholarships and teacher grants, and supporting children’s health and literacy initiatives. Team members also volunteered more than 3,300 hours with local nonprofits and led initiatives to build financial stability and capability in its communities.

“As a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative, our mission is rooted in people helping people,” said Gary Schuette II, President/CEO of Oregon State Credit Union. “Our impact is more than dollars and hours — it’s about elevating lives and strengthening communities. In 2026, we will continue to lead with purpose, expanding access to financial wellness, and creating lasting change.”

Oregon State Credit Union is grateful to its community partners for helping it make a difference for people in its community. By supporting nonprofits such as Cornerstone Community Housing, the credit union is addressing housing insecurity and other critical issues that affect financial well-being.

“The generosity of Oregon State Credit Union, our Lead Sponsor for the Housing Heroes Happy Hour, helped us raise over $106,000,” said Darcy Phillips, Executive Director of Cornerstone Community Housing. “This critical funding resulted in more than 200 families in Lane County gaining access to critical services, including rental and utility assistance and programs that support lasting housing stability.”

Oregon State Credit Union also helped more students afford higher education by increasing its support for college scholarships, including a $10,000 matching donation to the Oregon State University Foundation’s Finish in Four Scholarship Fund during Dam Proud Day, the university’s annual day of giving.

“We’re grateful to Oregon State Credit Union for helping spark generosity for Finish in Four, removing financial barriers so students can graduate on time and step confidently into careers that strengthen our region,” said Tyrell Warren Burnett, Senior Director of Annual Giving Programs for the OSU Foundation. “We’re fortunate to have such a committed partner right here in our backyard and look forward to continuing our work together to keep education at the heart of our community’s growth. When local institutions invest in education, the benefits ripple outward — to families, employers and the vitality of our region.”

Other highlights of Oregon State Credit Union’s 2025 impact include:

• Elevating access to education:
  • Presented $25,000 in Tomorrow’s Leaders Today scholarships to college-bound students.
  • Partnered with North Pole Studios to launch the $2,500 Creative Impact Scholarship and serve as a $10,000 “championing sponsor” for its Holiday Gala, helping raise $362,000 to empower artists with disabilities.
  • Introduced a new $2,500 scholarship for first-generation students at Clackamas Community College.
  • Donated $50,000 over five years to support Western Oregon University’s First-Generation Center to promote academic success.
  • Contributed $20,000 in Teacher Education Grants, benefiting 49 educators, 35 schools, and 9,400 students across 11 counties.
• Being there for nonprofits: More than 300 team members volunteered with 27 nonprofits in seven counties during the second annual Day of Service on Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
• Uniting for literacy: Team members donated a record $43,300 in the annual United Way Campaign, including sponsorship for 586 children in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, delivering monthly books to close literacy gaps.
• Supporting children’s health: Contributed more than $61,000 to Credit Unions for Kids, benefiting OHSU Doernbecher and PeaceHealth Sacred Heart. Credit Unions for Kids, adopted as the credit union movement’s charity of choice, ranks as the 5th largest sponsor of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
• Convening the ALICE Summit: Partnered with United Way to bring together state leaders, businesses and nonprofits to address financial challenges faced by hardworking families. ALICE are those who are Asset Limited Income Constrained yet Employed, representing approximately 30% of households across Oregon communities.
• Expanding financial education: Sponsored $tand By Me – Oregon and Oregon State University’s Center for Advancing Financial Education (CAFÉ) to offer personalized financial coaching to help improve financial capability.
• Championing survivors: Presenting sponsor for the 40th Anniversary Gala for Clackamas Women’s Services, honoring decades of support for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
• Empowering women in sports: First-ever sponsor of Oregon State University Women’s Soccer, reinforcing its belief in the power of athletics to build confidence, resilience and leadership.

Oregon State Credit Union invites the community to keep the spirit of the season going with Santa Dollars, a unique way to give twice. Santa Dollars are bills of any amount that come with a removable Santa sticker over the president’s face and a festive envelope — the perfect stocking stuffer. Each bill costs an extra $2, which is donated to local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals to help children receive the best possible care.

About Oregon State Credit Union

Oregon State Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative with an expanded field of membership now spanning 28 counties in Oregon and Clark and Skamania counties in Washington state. Founded in 1954 and guided by a passion for service, we are committed to delivering inclusive financial solutions that empower individuals and communities to thrive. Our competitively priced products and services are designed to meet the diverse needs of our members, providing exceptional value and personalized service. At Oregon State Credit Union, we believe in building amazing member trust and fostering financial well-being for all. Visit www.oregonstatecu.com today to learn why more than 155,000 member-owners put their trust in Oregon State Credit Union.

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“As a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative, our mission is rooted in people helping people,” said Gary Schuette II, President/CEO of Oregon State Credit Union.