Community Impact
Empowering possibilities through collaboration and innovation.
Learn more about our impactInvesting in impact, purpose, and people
As a credit union, we are deeply committed to the philosophy of people helping people. That’s why we partner with organizations and businesses that share our mission to improve the lives of all Vermonters.
Strengthening local economies
By investing locally in our community, we can empower the possibilities for greater financial, environmental and social prosperity.
VSECU team members Yvonne Garand and Simeon Chapin talk about the importance of building stronger local economies.
By the numbers
We’re serious about improving lives and building communities, and we have the numbers to back it up.
Powered by partnerships
Our Powered by initiatives stimulate social and economic opportunities through innovative partnerships.
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Building community
The Bright Ideas Project is the idea-generating machine behind Highlight, Burlington’s citywide New Year’s Eve festival. The Bright Ideas Project garners ideas from creative Vermonters and supports them with funding, technical assistance, and promotion.
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Fighting hunger
The Point to Point, powered by VSECU, is an iconic sporting event that was developed by Harpoon Brewery in 2002 to raise funds and awareness for the Vermont Foodbank. It attracts participants from all over New England who are passionate about reducing hunger in Vermont.
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Protecting vulnerable people
Winter is a tough time for thousands of Vermonters. Fuel Your Neighbors is a fundraising initiative that supports Capstone Community Action in their work to provide emergency food and heating assistance for vulnerable Central Vermont community members.
How do we make an impact?
We often use numbers to show our impact, but stories offer the best way to feel the effect we have on our members and communities.
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Helping At-Risk Youth Stand on Their Own Feet at Spectrum
Mo, short for Mohammad, was raised by Palestinian parents as a refugee in Lebanon, where his brother was bombed at …
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How Capstone Community Action Fuels Thousands of Vermonters with Home Heating and Food Access
This past winter in Vermont had some brutally cold stretches. Between the freezing temperatures and the rising price of fuel, …
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Meet Lottie and Learn How We Can Fight Hunger in Vermont
Chances are that you know someone who wasn’t sure where their next meal was coming from. In fact, the chances …
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Member-directed giving
Our member-directed giving program, We Care 2, distributes $50,000 in donations each year to five nonprofit organizations that are seeking funding to positively impact Vermonters’ essential needs in the areas of food, shelter, heat, environment, or financial education. Funds are distributed based on votes cast by members on the VSECU Annual Elections ballot.
Sustainable investing
Investing feels better when you know your money is working to support the values you hold dear. For some, that could mean helping a small business grow. For others, it may mean backing organizations that prioritize people and the planet. With that in mind, we have developed relationships and products that enable members to put their money where their values are.
Invest in small, local businesses through the Milk Money platform
Alternative capital
Credit unions were created to provide funds (capital) to people who were denied loans by traditional banks. Building on that history, we continue to seek unique ways to provide capital to those who need it, in addition to our conventional lending options. These alternative avenues to capital allow business owners to connect with and find support from community members, creating win/win opportunities that help strengthen our local businesses and economies.
Looking for funding?
Is your organization working to positively impact Vermonters’ essential needs in the areas of food, shelter, heat, environment, or financial education?