Q: What is the Travis Credit Union Foundation?
A: The Foundation is a 501-C3, public non-profit committed to building financially empowered communities. It operates independent of Travis Credit Union.
Q: What is the Travis Credit Union Foundation COVID-19 Relief Initiative?
A: Travis Credit Union announced in April 2020 that it would match $4 million in donations made to the Travis Credit Union (TCU) Foundation towards the COVID-19 Relief Initiative. The ability to support our local community is something we are deeply passionate about and care to advocate for across our region. The initiative allows for members to financially supply aid to local charities that provide much-needed services to families and children affected by COVID-19.
As you financially support your local community, Travis Credit Union will double the impact of your financial contribution. Dimpel Sandhu, the Foundation’s Fundraising and Development Director, answers some of the most-asked questions about the Foundation's COVID-19 Initiative. Learn about its goals and how you can help.
Q: How is the TCU Foundation helping the community during COVID-19?
A: The TCU Foundation is offering a COVID-19 Relief program in which members can donate and support more than 41 organizations across the region. Members will see 100% of their donation of $10 or more matched by Travis Credit Union. This means that for every $10 minimum, the credit union will match those gifts.
Q: How does the COVID-19 Initiative help our members during these uncertain times?
A: Travis Credit Union is matching up to $4 million raised by the TCU Foundation. We can serve approximately 175 organizations, or roughly 35 organizations per county. Currently, we have more than 41 participating organizations and are still inviting organizations to participate from now until July 31st.
Q: Can my organization apply to be on the list of organizations receiving donations?
A: If you would like to nominate an organization to participate, download the application here and email Dimpel Sandhu. Each organization has an opportunity to raise up to $20,000 and receive $20,000 in matching funds from Travis Credit Union.
Q: How long will the Foundation be receiving donations for the COVID-19 dollar for dollar initiative?
A: We’re receiving donations now through September 30, 2020.
Q: What are local branches doing to support this initiative?
A: Local Travis Credit Union branches will be offering “Awesome Cause We Care” pins for a suggested minimum donation of $10 starting on August 15 through October 15, 2020 to support the COVID-19 Relief Initiative. The pins will be available until October 15, 2020 and their sale will contribute to the overall donation.
Q: What inspired this initiative?
A: The TCU Foundation cares about lifting communities together. While it is important to support education, literacy and advocacy programs throughout the year, community-based needs are more important than ever before. The Foundation partners with valuable, local organizations who contribute incredible efforts to aid their communities.
As people struggle with unemployment, food insecurity, business closures, rent challenges and much more, the financial stress from losing family income can become an unbearable burden. The Foundation is committed to strengthening our neighbors and communities, and assuring each community that we will continue to stand together.
Q: What local nonprofits can members donate to for COVID-19 relief?
A: Members can donate to the Travis Credit Union Foundation through an online donation platform at tcufund.org. Participating organizations include Meals on Wheels, Napa Valley Education Foundation, On the Move, Rise Inc. and Yolo Food Bank. You can view the complete list here.
Q: What is the Foundation doing for our communities during these uncertain times?
A: The Foundation is raising funds for local nonprofits supporting residents living in Alameda, Colusa, Contra Costa, Merced, Napa, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, and Yolo counties.
Q: What is the long-term vision for the Foundation?
A: Our vision is to create philanthropic solutions to build sustainable financial wellness in our communities for generations to come. To work toward our vision, the Foundation will continue to raise funds for financial education, literacy, and wellness.
Q: How can members get involved?
A: Visit tcufund.org or ask your local branch how you can help your community and join the Travis Credit Union Foundation’s COVID-19 Initiative. We are all in this together.
Q: How can I stay connected on updates?
A: In August, campaign updates will be provided for fundraising and initiative goals. This will also provide the opportunity to continue to invite others to participate through October 15, 2020.
Dimpel Sandhu
About Dimpel Sandhu
Dimpel Sandhu is the Fundraising and Development Director for the Travis Credit Union Foundation. She’s been with the foundation since September 2019 and is passionate about serving people and raising funds for programs and initiatives which help to improve the lives of the vulnerable and underserved. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, she has been raising funds for nonprofit organizations for 20 years.