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Columbia Credit Union Donates $100,000 to Local COVID Response Fund

June 02, 2020

Columbia Credit Union has gone all in with the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington by joining the All In WA COVID-19 relief effort—committing $100,000 to the SW Washington COVID Response Fund. The contribution will mobilize up to $300,000 for local efforts thanks to two matching gifts—a challenge match provided by the Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund ($100,000) and eligibility toward additional matching dollars provided through the All In WA campaign (up to $100,000).

“Tough times call for bold action,” said Steve Kenny, Columbia Credit Union President & CEO. “That’s why we’re so proud that our partnership with the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, along with the All In WA matching funds and a local match from the Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund, could generate $300,000 in vital, local community support, making life better for our neighbors right here in southwest Washington.”

The donation helped kick off local fundraising efforts in conjunction with the All In WA campaign and represents the largest corporate gift provided to the SW Washington COVID Response Fund. All In WA is a coordinated statewide relief effort powered by a coalition of public officials, community foundations, frontline nonprofits and individuals to fill the gaps in government funding for workers and families acutely affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The fund launched May 27, 2020 with $20 million in commitments and a goal of $65 million to be met in the coming months.

Including the gift from Columbia Credit Union, the All In WA campaign has spurred more than $155,000 for COVID-19 relief and recovery in southwest Washington. Jennifer Rhoads, President of the Community Foundation, said that every dollar donated to the response fund is directed to local nonprofits that are serving those most affected by the health and economic impacts of COVID-19.

“Shared challenges require a collective response, and this gift is a perfect example of how community-minded businesses can address the impacts of COVID-19.” Rhoads said. “This relief effort is both a sprint and a marathon, and investments like this are direly needed to sustain our region’s recovery and to build our resilience for the future.”

Since March, donors and businesses have contributed a total of $4.7 million to the SW Washington COVID Response Fund, allowing the Community Foundation to grant more than $3.6 million in relief. Collectively, the 102 grants distributed are supporting nonprofit programs and services that improve access to food, housing, technology and health and safety equipment. 

To contribute to the SW Washington COVID Response Fund, visit cfsww.org/all-in-wa. Those who donate specifically to the southwest Washington community fund will see their dollars spent in Clark, Cowlitz and Skamania counties, and a challenge match from the Ed and Dollie Lynch Fund will double the first $500,000 in donations. For donations to the All In WA fund, or community and cause-specific funds across Washington, visit allinwa.org. Those who donate to the statewide pool will see their money spread across the state.

A virtual benefit concert for the fund will stream at 7 PM, June 24, on Amazon Music’s Twitch channel and on digital subchannel 8.2 KGW Justice Network. The lineup includes Pearl Jam, Macklemore, Brandi Carlile, Ciara, Russell Wilson, The Black Tones, Dave Matthews, Sir Mix-A-Lot, Pete Carroll, Mary Lambert, Joel McHale, Ben Gibbard and Allen Stone.

Support the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington with a donation here.

Explore the All In WA campaign and donate statewide here.