In honor of our 70th anniversary, we set out on a mission in January—to complete and document 70 acts of kindness in the communities we serve before the end of 2025. Since our founding in 1955, supporting and uplifting the community has been an integral part of our identity. We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate this milestone achievement than to give back to those that we serve!
We were pleasantly surprised when our team accomplished this goal by the beginning of October, with two months to spare.
Every year, each Vantage West team member is offered 16 hours of community service time, and they get to choose what they want to do with it—from volunteering, to serving on boards, or supporting local causes. So far this year, our team has logged almost 1,000 hours of community service!
At Vantage West Credit Union, these 70 acts are simply a snapshot of our ongoing commitment to making a difference. Kindness is at the heart of what we do, and our dedication to supporting our local communities extends far beyond any milestone or celebration.
We believe that every day presents new opportunities to give back, serve, and uplift those around us, reinforcing our promise to invest in people today to achieve a more prosperous tomorrow.
70 Ways to Give
1. We awarded five scholarships of $2,500 each to students attending college, university, trade school, or graduate school in Arizona in the fall of 2025.
2. We invited Youth Civic Fellows from the Metro Education Commission as our guests to the 2025 Governors Breakfast. This enriching experience combined educational sessions with hands-on civic engagement, empowering youth to transform insights from the Teen Town Hall into meaningful advocacy and action.
3. Our Mortgage loan officers volunteered to help build houses for Habitat for Humanity.
4. We surprised shoppers at Di Luna Candles by covering the cost of their purchases.
5. A relationship banker placed flags on veterans’ graves in honor of Memorial Day. With our strong ties to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, we’re proud to support and recognize the bravery of our service members.
6. A team member served as the food and beverage manager for the HOBY World Leadership Congress—a program that brought around 300 high school students from around the globe together for a week to learn about personal, group, and societal leadership.
7. Team members from our Casa Grande branch volunteered at a Substance Abuse and Health Awareness Fundraiser, organized by one of our business members. We registered vehicles for their car show and assisted with raffle prizes.
8. Our team cooked dinner for the families staying at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Arizona.
9. Team members from the Tombstone branch answered financial questions from the community at a local food bank.
10. In April, we partnered with nine local organizations to deliver 15 financial wellness classes, reaching over 330 participants of all age groups.
11. We read to 2nd graders in celebration of Financial Literacy Month.
12. The Golder Ranch branch assisted Mica Mountain High School by conducting mock interviews to support and inspire the school’s early childhood education students.
13. Alongside other local credit unions, we donated over $38,000 to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
14. Our team proudly joined Credit Union Day at the Capitol to share the powerful impact credit unions have in communities across Arizona. By connecting directly with lawmakers, we’re helping shape a stronger future for our members and ensuring the voice of credit unions and their members is heard loud and clear.
15. We donated money and supplies to the Amity Foundation, a local organization that serves people marginalized by addiction, trauma, criminality, incarceration, poverty, racism, sexism, homelessness, and violence.
16. The Casa Grande branch sponsored the 14th annual Vista Grande Cross Country 5K, supporting both the team and our member, TheSmileZone—a nonprofit dedicated to providing dental care and oral health education to children in underserved Arizona communities.
17. The Tombstone branch volunteered at the Bisbee Pride Parade by organizing the line-up order for participants, distributing water bottles, and ensuring onlookers stayed on the sidewalk for their safety.
18. A group of team members helped set up and clean up at the Emerge Center’s Easter celebration.
19. We donated money and supplies to Friends of Pima Animal Care Center, a local organization dedicated to supporting the Pima Animal Care Center.
20. Our branches united to support Southern Arizona VA Health Care Services. Team members collected essential personal care items and decorated donation boxes to show appreciation for those who’ve served—honoring our legacy and giving back to the veteran community.
21. Our talented team of financial coaches offered financial education classes for clients at the Sahuarita Food Bank.
22. Our Golder Ranch branch team attended the San Manuel School’s Annual Welcome Back Breakfast to celebrate and support all who help students succeed.
23. We participated in the 100th Anniversary of the Tucson Rodeo Parade—an iconic event that has brought joy and unity to our community for generations.
24. Our Chief Commercial & Impact Officer served as a judge for the TENWEST pitch competition.
25. We joined Habitat for Humanity Tucson for Women Build. The team of volunteers rolled up their sleeves and helped add electrical components to homes in the Rodeo Subdivision.
26. We supported Youth on Their Own’s (YOTO) annual Spring Lunch. It was truly inspiring to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of YOTO youth, alumni, volunteers, and supporters.
27. Our Cooper Square branch earned the Arizona Green Business certification presented by Local First Arizona.
28. A branch manager at 22nd and Kolb gathered sweet treats to celebrate a valued member’s birthday.
29. A team member represented Vantage West at an event hosted by Project Access Resource Centers to assist residents with financial literacy.
30. Our team members helped make 2,295 food bags for the United Food Bank. Vantage West gave a donation of $2,500, which equals an additional 12,500 meals.
31. We participated in the Thunder & Lightning Over Arizona air show at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base—an event that brings the community together for a behind-the-scenes look at military life and aviation excellence.
32. The 1st Avenue branch proudly used their community funds to sponsor the Tucson Kino Rotary Club. Through this sponsorship, the branch is helping to empower local students, promote lifelong learning, and strengthen the fabric of the Tucson community.
33. A team member volunteered as a chaperone for their son’s class field trip to the Postal History Foundation Museum. The kids had a fantastic time discovering how to address letters, engaging in creative arts and crafts, and exploring fascinating historical stamps.
34. We proudly sponsored and cheered on the Pima Aztecs Men’s Basketball Team at their final home game of the season. This exciting partnership reflects our commitment to supporting student athletes both on and off the court.
35. Our Tombstone team members supported their local chamber by attending the Annual Membership Meeting, demonstrating their commitment to strengthening community partnerships and staying engaged with local initiatives.
36. We sponsored Youth On Their Own’s (YOTO) Caring Courier program and our President and CEO, Sandra Sagehorn Elliott, joined YOTO volunteers on their delivery route.
37. The 43rd and Peoria branch sponsored the Glendale Chambers Business After Hours event to encourage growth and visibility for local businesses in the Phoenix Metro area.
38. By sponsoring FC Tucson and their youth scholarship program, we’re proud to support aspiring soccer players who may not otherwise have access to the sport.
39. A team member delivered an inspiring keynote at the Vale Chamber Connections: Women in Business event.
40. Our Northwest branch collected items and contributions for Youth on Their Own and proudly presented them with a generous check in support of their mission.
41. Vantage West and iHeartRadio teamed up for a School Supplies Drive to support local students and teachers.
42. We presented a donation to the Southern Arizona Regional Science and Engineering Fair (SARSEF) during Retro Night at the University of Arizona! SARSEF inspires young minds to explore science and engineering through curiosity-driven learning.
43. We invited members of all ages to our University of Arizona hospitality tent on Retro Night. It was a celebration of community, connection, and appreciation.
44. We sponsored 23 local businesses to participate in the Bridge for Billions program with Filene, helping empower small businesses to succeed.
45. Our MilVets Employee Resource Group delivered a donation to support deployed service members, providing comfort items from home to boost morale.
46. Our 1st Avenue branch supported the Tucson SW Rams, a local non-profit that promotes youth sports within their community.
47. We participated in Arizona Bilingual’s Kids Expo—a meaningful community event that helps provide essential school supplies to hundreds of children in need.
48. The Casa Grande branch supported TheSmileZone’s Charity Golf Tournament. This meaningful event raises funds to provide essential dental care for underprivileged children in the community. Together, we’re creating smiles and making a lasting impact.
49. We supported The Evening to EmpowerEd celebration, which spotlighted students who serve, educators who lead with heart, and community champions who believe in a future shaped by learning and opportunity.
50. We supported the Eller College of Management Center for Leadership Ethics annual High School Ethics Forum, which challenges Arizona high school students to tackle real-world ethical dilemmas through team-based learning and expert-led discussions.
51. Our 43rd & Peoria team supported New Freedom Project, helping their residents rebuild through financial coaching and access to essential services.
52. Our fraud department launched the “Shine the Light on Fraud” tour, visiting branches and community events to share important tools with our members and senior citizens.
53. In collaboration with the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, we delivered a $150,000 AHEAD Program grant to the Sahuarita Food Bank & Community Resource Center.
54. We supported the Arizona World Language Leadership Summit, hosted by the Arizona Language Association, to help advance professional development for K-12 school leaders and promote excellence in world language education.
55. We supported the Sunnyside High Schools Blue Devils by helping cover travel and essentials for the team. Even cooler? One of our own is a Blue Devil alum!
56. We supported the Prestamos Women’s Business Center and the Corazón de Mujer Pitch Competition. By investing in local entrepreneurs, we’re helping build stronger communities, foster innovation, and empower women-owned businesses to thrive.
57. During Arizona Credit Union week, our teams visited local businesses to participate in pay-it-forward campaigns to help spread joy and support our business members.
58. Through our sponsorship with the Mexican Baseball Fiesta, we donated 150 tickets to Southern Arizona Little League, giving young athletes the chance to experience the excitement of a game in an official ballpark.
59. Together with the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, we’re working to fight hunger and support those in need, making a positive difference—one person at a time.
60. Our 32nd and Shea Branch proudly sponsored the student government at Shadow Mountain High School. This student-led organization is dedicated to fostering school spirit, promoting leadership, and building a positive campus culture.
61. Vantage West is the volunteer sponsor for El Tour de Tucson, a yearly event that brings Arizona communities together for a great cause.
62. We supported Gospel Rescue Mission’s Center for Opportunity through donations, volunteerism, and financial wellness coaching.
63. We supported the YWCA of Southern Arizona’s Evening of Empowerment, which champions equality, social justice, and stronger communities. As part of our sponsorship, we invited representatives from Crystal Clear and Lucero Group.
64. As part of Arizona Credit Union Week, we partnered with Feed My Starving Children to volunteer and support their efforts—helping to provide for children in foster care.
65. We proudly supported 21 applications in the 2025 FHLB San Francisco AHEAD grant cycle across AZ, CA, and NV. Among the recipients was Groundswell Capital, which was awarded the maximum grant.
66. We helped renovate the new home of the Tucson Small Business Center and opened the Vantage West Innovation Hub, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
67. The Pascua Yaqui Development Corporation was a recipient of a max $150K grant, supported by Vantage West in the 2025 FHLB AHEAD grant cycle.
68. We gathered donations for the Arizona Diaper Bank, a local organization that promotes dignity by making diapers, period products, and incontinence supplies accessible.
69. The Market Development team volunteered at AZCEND in Chandler and assembled 250 hygiene kits to support the unhoused community.
70. At our All-Team Conference, our team worked together to pack boxes of resources for AZCEND, a nonprofit that supports people struggling with hunger, poverty and homelessness.
