MCF Community
Giving Programs
Founded in 1935, Maps Credit Union has given back to the community since our inception, and community giving is part of the fabric of who we are. In 2012, we established the Maps Community Foundation (MCF) to expand and strengthen our commitment to giving back. Since then, MCF has significantly grown its philanthropic impact and now invests more than $500,000 annually in community initiatives. We also contribute each year to an endowment to help sustain this work for the long term.
As a credit union, our members are a key part of that giving. With a Free Community Checking account, Maps contributes a penny to MCF with every debit card purchase—totaling more than $150,000 in 2025 alone!
Our giving reflects the communities we serve across Greater Western Oregon, with a focus on areas where Maps has a physical presence, including Marion and Polk Counties, as well as Wilsonville, Astoria, Seaside, and Oregon City.
MCF’s key impact areas include education, economic empowerment, and vibrant communities. Through this work, we support educational programs, provide community sponsorships and capital grants, and engage our employees in hands-on projects with their community giveback hours. We are guided by our motto—Educate. Empower. Thrive—and we invite you to be a part of the impact.
Mission
To enrich the lives of members and our community by investing in education, economic empowerment, and community vibrancy
Vision
Our vision is a thriving community where all people can access educational opportunities, attain financial stability, and live a healthy, vibrant life.
Core Values
Our core values—Community, Impact, Equity, Integrity, and Leadership—guide how we engage with our communities and carry out our mission.
Giving Programs
Maps Community Foundation supports nonprofit organizations, schools, teachers, and students through grants, sponsorships, scholarships, financial education programs, and community partnerships. Funding decisions are based on alignment with our impact areas, community need, and potential for lasting community benefit.
What kind of support are you looking for?
I’m a nonprofit seeking funding.
The Maps Community Foundation supports nonprofit organizations through funding opportunities designed to strengthen local communities and create lasting impact.
Maps Community Grants
Maps Community Grants support larger nonprofit capital projects, including capital campaigns, facility renovations, and other projects that help organizations expand their reach or improve the way they serve the community. These grants are designed for more significant investments and potential long-term partnerships.
Community Sponsorships
Community Sponsorships support nonprofit events and programs that strengthen and enrich the communities Maps serves. Sponsorships typically range from $250 to $5,000, and requests are accepted on a rolling basis.
Together, these application-based programs help MCF invest in organizations and projects aligned with its impact areas: education, economic empowerment, and vibrant communities.
I’m a teacher looking for classroom support.
The Maps Community Foundation and Maps Credit Union offer several resources designed to support teachers, classrooms, and school communities.
Teacher Grants
Teacher Grants help local K–12 educators fund creative classroom and school-wide projects, field trips, and educational after-school clubs. Each year, Maps Community Foundation awards grants to support teachers and students across the communities that Maps serves. Maps members who are K-12 public and private school teachers in Marion and/or Polk County, or in Wilsonville schools, are eligible to apply. The application window typically opens in October, and grants are awarded in November and December.
Bite of Reality
Bite of Reality is a hands-on budgeting simulation for students in grades 6–12. The program helps students practice balancing wants, needs, unexpected expenses, and real-world financial decisions. It can be offered in person or remotely for small or large groups. Contact us if you would like to learn more or schedule a Bite of Reality Fair for your classroom or group.
School employee savings resources
Maps also offers financial resources designed specifically for school employees, including the Summer Saver Account, which helps school employees set money aside throughout the year for summer expenses.
Teacher appreciation programs
Maps continues to recognize and celebrate local educators through teacher appreciation efforts and special programs that highlight the impact teachers make in their schools and communities. When Teacher Appreciation season rolls around (typically in April and May), teachers and school employees should watch for special promotions, celebrations, and events from Maps.
I am a student looking for help with college, trade school, or career training.
The Maps Community Foundation supports eligible students pursuing post-secondary education through scholarship opportunities and matched-savings programs.
Scholarships
Maps Scholarships help eligible students continue their education after high school. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors who are Maps members, with select opportunities also available for non-traditional students who are five or more years beyond high school. Funds can be used at trade schools, community colleges, and four-year universities. Applications generally open each year in February and are due in March.
Education IDA
Individual Development Accounts help qualifying students save for post-secondary education through a matched-savings program. IDA funds can be used at accredited trade schools, community colleges, and four-year universities. A limited number of accounts are available each year through specific program partners.
I want to nominate a school or nonprofit for MCF support.
Maps members can help direct support to local schools and nonprofit organizations through member-nominated giving programs offered throughout the year.
School Supply Grants
Each February, Maps members can nominate K–12 public and private schools to receive $1,000 School Supply Grants. From the nominations received, Maps Community Foundation randomly selects 20 schools located in the communities served by the Maps branch network. These grants help schools replenish supplies and support students and teachers when classroom needs can be especially high.
Giving Tuesday Grants
Each November, Maps members can nominate local nonprofit organizations to receive $1,000 Giving Tuesday Grants. Maps Community Foundation randomly selects 10 organizations that are making a difference in the communities Maps serves and surprises them with grant funding in celebration of Giving Tuesday.
Nominations are typically accepted through Maps social media channels, online banking, and QR codes shared on branch flyers and screens when each program is open.
I’m a nonprofit hoping to partner with the Maps Community Foundation.
Maps Community Foundation partners with nonprofit organizations in several ways, from grant funding and sponsorships to employee volunteerism and referral-based programs that support individuals and families.
Community Grants
Maps Community Grants support nonprofit capital projects, facility improvements, capital campaigns, and other larger-scale efforts that help organizations expand their impact. These grants are designed for projects where MCF can make a meaningful investment and build a longer-term partnership.
Community Sponsorships
Community Sponsorships support nonprofit events and programs that strengthen and enrich the communities Maps serves. Sponsorship requests are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed regularly.
Employee Giveback Hours
Maps employees receive paid Giveback Hours each year to volunteer with local nonprofits, schools, and community organizations. Nonprofit partners may have opportunities to connect with Maps employees for volunteer projects, events, and other community engagement efforts.
Community Loan Fund Program
Through partnerships with select nonprofit organizations, Maps CU Lending provides 0% interest loans of $1,000–$5,000 to help individuals and families work toward greater stability. Funds may be used for needs such as rental housing costs, vehicle purchases, computer equipment for work or school, legal fees, and micro-business development. As loans are repaid, the revolving fund helps support future participants while also giving borrowers an opportunity to build credit.
Long-term community partnerships
MCF looks for opportunities to work with nonprofits whose missions align with its impact areas: education, economic empowerment, and vibrant communities. Strong partnerships may include funding, volunteer support, financial education, community outreach, or other forms of collaboration.