Earlier this month, the EvergreenHealth Foundation received a Community Benefit Awards of $15,000 from BECU.

This was part of the credit union’s 2017 People Helping People Awards, recognizing BECU members and the nonprofits they support with their time, talents and donations. The foundation was one of 18 nonprofit organizations to receive awards ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 across five categories.

Since 2013, BECU has donated $970,000 to local charities through the program.

“The remarkable work these organizations accomplish in our communities is as inspiring as it is impactful,” Tom Berquist, senior vice president of marketing and cooperative affairs for BECU, said in a press release. “These awards support and celebrate the causes our members are most passionate about. For BECU, People Helping People is more than just a phrase; it’s part of our mission, part of our culture and how we show up for our members.”

This year, more than 230 BECU members nominated their favorite, local nonprofits serving the Puget Sound region, Spokane and beyond, according to the release. The recognized organizations are tackling a broad range of issues including homelessness, health care, education, poverty and hunger.

Funding for the People Helping People Awards tripled this year due to BECU’s “Make a Purchase. Make a Difference” campaign. This two-month initiative encouraged BECU members to embrace the people helping people philosophy by helping to raise funds by simply using their BECU Debit Mastercard. For every purchase made with the card, BECU donated one cent toward the People Helping People Awards, according to the release.

In addition to the funds given to the 2017 award winners, BECU is also granting $3,000 to all past People Helping People Award recipients for a total of $153,000 in further giving.