Amplifying Fundraising Impact

By ELLYN SANTIAGO

As of fall 2023, Charter Oak Federal Credit Union and its members had raised nearly $3 million through the annual Matching Gifts Program. The initiative helps Charter Oak “give back to the community.”

Begun in 2016, Charter Oak is again offering its Matching Gifts Program to its members, and this year the maximum funding limit has been raised to $300,000.

Pam Watt, Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation’s matching gift administrator, said the Foundation is “thrilled to learn” that Charter Oak increased its funding limit.

“They make it so easy for us to receive thousands of additional dollars for breast cancer research,” she noted.

In the 2023 Charter Oak Matching Gifts campaign, 250 charities were represented. Of those, TBBCF received the second-highest gift, $13,475.

Charter Oak’s Matching Gifts Program, which starts in August each year, matches all qualified donations made by its members to 501(c)(3) charities. Members may donate now until Friday, Nov. 22, or until the $300,000 funding limit is met.

“By matching member contributions, we amplify the impact of their support, empowering charities like the TBBCF to advance in their mission,” COFCU spokesperson Carolina Valencia said. “And achieve remarkable results.”

Open to the 87,255 Charter Oak members to donate to non-profit charitable organizations, every donation, in $25 increments, from $25 to $500 is matched by Charter Oak.

This is how they explain their mission:

“We’re committed to giving back to charitable entities within our field of membership, as well as charities elsewhere that are meaningful to our members. It’s simple. We give back because it is part of the foundation from which credit unions were built, people helping people. We’re proud to offer our members the opportunity to maximize their charitable donations through our Matching Gifts Program.”

For TBBCF’s part, as Watt said, the power of the donation match means a lot. As does the ease with which donors donate and the charitable organization requests the fund match.

“Our donors complete a form. We submit it and wait for the funds. It is an easy way to boost fundraising dollars,” Watt said. “And we are appreciative of the staff that administers the program and the extra time that our donors take to complete the form.”

Valencia said that the program is successful because of the generosity of its members.

“This program thrives on the dedication of our members, making meaningful advancements in our community possible,” she noted.

Learn more about the Charter Oak Federal Credit Union Matching Gift Program here. 

You may access the Charter Oak matching gift guidelines and form here.

For those donors choosing TBBCF, submit the DONOR form to the Foundation via email [email protected] or U.S. mail to TBBCF, 187 Williams St., New London, CT 06320.