Making a Difference Since 2005

As the charitable arm of Northwest Federal Credit Union, the NWFCU Foundation is a community leader dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of children through its programs. The NWFCU Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity, promotes and manages Northwest Federal Credit Union’s charitable activities and programs which reflect the interest of our membership and the local community -- extending beyond the service and savings of the credit union to focus on scholarships, mentoring and youth outreach programs. 

We also:

  • Hold quarterly drives to address food insecurity, health and hygiene, school
    essentials and winter warmth.
  • Mentor through the AVID24 Program in our local elementary schools.
  • Host field trips at NWFCU focused on financial literacy and career preparedness
  • Link arms to support other community partners focused on providing resources
    for youth.


Milestones


2004

  • Incorporated to promote and manage NWFCU’s philanthropic activities 
  • Formed partnership with Dranesville Elementary School, Herndon, VA
     

2005

  • Became a proud sponsor of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run
  • Began awarding scholarships through the Ben DeFelice Scholarship Program, awarding $554,000 in scholarships to date.
  • Donated first disaster relief grant to the National Credit Union Foundation Disaster Relief Fund in response to Hurricane Katrina

2006

  • Received 501(c)(3) designation from the Internal Revenue Service
     

2007

  • Began administering the Central Intelligence Retirees Association Scholarship Program (CIRA), awarding $93,000 in scholarships to date 
     

2008

  • Became a Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) designated charity
  • Formed partnership with Louise Archer Elementary School, Vienna, VA
  • Formed partnership with Rachel Carson Middle School, Herndon, VA 

2009

  • Formed partnership with Herndon High School, Herndon, VA
  • Held the 1st Night of Magic Ball for critically ill children
     

2012

  • Donations to Children’s Miracle Network total more than $150,000
     

2013

  • Donated over $10,000 in disaster relief to Doctors Without Borders USA/Mèdecins Sans Frontiéres in response to Typhoon Haiyan
     

2014

  • Celebrated 10 years of community service and outreach
     

2016

  • Formed a Need Base Scholarship Program

2017

  • Established Higher Education Community College Award 
  • Held six Community Outreach Drives to help the community and those in need

2018

  • Five successful outreach drives positively impacting the community
  • Best of Reston Honoree
  • Nominated for Leadership Fairfax Award

2019

  • 172 patients and families attended the 10th annual Night of Magic
  • Five successful outreach drives positively impacting the community

2020

  • Distributed 51,000 diapers to Northern Virginia families
  • 1,000 winter coats and accessories delivered
  • 33,000 food items collected and delivered
  • $130,000 awarded in scholarships

2022

  • Distributed 300,000 diapers to Northern Virginia families
  • Gifted 2,000 coats and winter accessories
  • Awarded $135,000 in scholarships

2023

  • Awarded scholarships to 37 students totaling $130,000
  • Quarterly drives engaging employees and credit union members
  • Collected over 10,000 food items for distribution
  • Gifted over 500 coats and winter accessories youth in need
  • Distributed over 350,000 diapers to Northern Virginia families

2024

  • Became a sponsoring organization of the President’s Volunteer Service Award