Maryland’s largest credit union’s program includes hardship grants for members and support for healthcare workers, childcare, education, nonprofits
Baltimore, Maryland (April 3, 2020) — SECU, Maryland’s largest state chartered credit union, announced today a commitment of up to $200,000 in hardship grants for its members through the SECU MD Foundation and $200,000 for COVID-19 community relief efforts. Community relief will focus on supporting key areas: healthcare workers, childcare and education, and nonprofit organizations.
“Being part of the community means that when a vital need arises, like that caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is our responsibility to help however we can,” said Dave Sweiderk, President and CEO of SECU. “We stand united as an organization and with our Board of Directors in our commitment to making a positive impact in our members’ lives and in the communities we serve – no matter the circumstance.”
“In its almost 70 years, SECU has endured many economic cycles. Through each, SECU has remained strong and continued to offer unparalleled financial services to our members. This is only possible by maintaining our relentless focus on the financial well-being of the credit union, our employees, members and the communities we serve,” said Mark Reger, SECU Board Chairman.
Hardship Grants for Members
To provide additional support to those members who are experiencing a financial hardship as a result of COVID-19, SECU will begin offering $500 hardship grants to its members, up to a maximum of $200,000 from the SECU MD Foundation. Members who are in a position to make a donation will also have an opportunity to give back to fellow members through the SECU MD Foundation, with the Foundation offering to match up to $100,000, for a total of $300,000 in grants available. Member donations to the Foundation are tax deductible.
Healthcare Workers
In support of the Maryland healthcare community, SECU has launched a Hometown Heroes campaign to recognize the frontline medical workers in the fight against COVID-19. Members of the community can nominate Maryland healthcare workers to recognize them as healthcare heroes. Nominees will be promoted on SECU’s social media channels and will receive $100 gift cards.
SECU is also sending weekly deliveries of lunches and snacks to area hospitals, beginning with Anne Arundel Medical Center in Anne Arundel County and Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps in Montgomery County.
Childcare & Education
In support of childcare and education, the SECU MD Foundation donated $15,000 to United Way to support their efforts in providing childcare options to essential employees, as well as $15,000 to the Maryland Food Bank to help offset meal expenses for families. Additionally, the SECU MD Foundation will donate a total of $25,000 to local public school systems in the following jurisdictions: Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County, and Montgomery County.
SECU will also extend its Hometown Heroes campaign to include nominations for local educators who are going above and beyond during this crisis beginning next week.
Nonprofits
In support of local nonprofits, SECU plans to support up to 20 local (501)(c)(3) organizations that are providing relief during the COVID-19 crisis. Nonprofits are asked to submit their requests online to be considered for a $2,000 grant from the SECU MD Foundation.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, SECU members are strongly encouraged to use SECU’s online and mobile banking services for quick and easy access to banking tools while maintaining social distancing as recommended by the CDC. To learn more about SECU’s community and member support initiatives in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit www.secumd.org/secucares.
MEDIA CONTACT
Ashlene Larson
Alarson@planitagency.com
443-406-0047
ABOUT SECU
SECU, Maryland’s largest credit union, serves 260,000 members across the state. As a member owned, not-for-profit, SECU puts its members first. Membership is open to all Maryland state employees and their families, University System of Maryland students, graduates, staff and their families, Bank At Work partners and many others. Headquartered in Linthicum, Md., SECU has 22 financial centers and provides access to nearly 50,000 free ATMs through the CO-OP network. With $3.9 billion in assets, SECU ranks among the top 60 credit unions nationwide based on total assets in the U.S. Insured by NCUA. For more information, visit www.secumd.org.