Texarkana, Texas — Red River Credit Union (RRCU) is set to open applications for its RRCU Gives grant program on June 1, offering financial support to nonprofit organizations across five states, including Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The program aims to assist nonprofits focused on addressing issues related to hunger, housing, and financial education.
Supporting Local Communities
Last year, RRCU awarded $60,000 to 20 nonprofits, and this year, the organization plans to distribute at least the same amount. Madeline Haak, RRCU’s director of community development, emphasized the importance of these grants in supporting the credit union’s mission. “Housing and financial education are intertwined with our daily tasks,” Haak stated. “The hunger aspect stems from the prevalence of such issues in underserved communities, which are a priority of credit unions.”
Haak shared impactful stories from previous grant recipients, such as Texarkana Resources, where funding helped improve living conditions. “Easton, one of the men there, shared how appreciative he was to be able to get new appliances in their independent housing facility so that the food he spent his hard-earned money on didn’t spoil anymore,” Haak recounted. Similarly, Mission Texarkana benefited from support for its meal program, with Jazmine, a former beneficiary, now employed by the organization and helping others in need.
Encouraging Community Investment
Haak highlighted the ongoing financial hardships faced by many communities, stressing the importance of continued support for nonprofit organizations. “It is important for entities like RRCU to continue to extend a helping hand, because diffusion of responsibility is a real phenomenon,” she explained. “Most of the time, people assume someone else will take care of problems affecting others.”
RRCU matches funds raised for the grants, further encouraging community investment. Organizations interested in applying or seeking more information about eligibility can contact Madeline Haak at [email protected]. Applications will remain open until August 16.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
