You Asked, And We Answered

What is the Foundation’s relationship with the Credit Union?

The NWFCU Foundation is the charitable arm of Northwest Federal Credit Union, born from the same belief that has always driven the credit union: people helping people. The Foundation exists to empower youth through education, financial well-being, and access to the basic needs that allow students to show up, engage, and thrive. While we operate as a fully independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Northwest Federal Credit Union generously covers our salaries, office space, and other in-kind services. That unique arrangement means that virtually every dollar donated to the Foundation goes directly toward supporting our mission, not overhead. It’s a partnership we’re proud of, and one that makes your generosity go further.

Who does the Foundation serve?

The Foundation serves students and the schools and community organizations that champion them.
Our work is driven by the belief that every child, no matter their background or circumstances, deserves access to opportunity. We work across the Virginia and Maryland region to reach youth who face financial and resource barriers, connecting them with scholarships, essential supplies, mentorship, and financial education.
We also stand alongside our partner schools as a trusted resource. Schools are where children spend their days, and we believe in supporting the educators and programs that make those days count. When a school thrives, the children it serves have a better chance of thriving too.

What programs does the Foundation support?

Our programs are built around five pillars: scholarships, basic needs outreach, The N.E.E.D.S. Project, mentoring and youth development, and financial education. In practice, that means awarding college scholarships, mentoring the next generation of leaders, teaching students the financial skills they’ll carry for life, and providing the everyday essentials, including food, hygiene products, shoes, coats, and school supplies, that help children arrive at school ready to learn. Because when basic needs are met and potential is nurtured, there’s no limit to what a young person can achieve.

How is the Foundation funded?

The Foundation is supported by a generous community of donors, including individuals, NWFCU members and employees, business partners, grant-makers, and community supporters who share our commitment to investing in young people.

We also raise funds through events like our annual Drive for the Driven Golf Tournament and through workplace giving programs. Thanks to Northwest Federal Credit Union’s in-kind contributions, covering salaries, occupancy, marketing, and more, the funds we raise go directly to the work that matters most.

How are donations used?

Because Northwest Federal Credit Union covers the Foundation’s administrative expenses, we are able to direct the overwhelming majority of donated funds straight to impact. That means your gift isn’t paying for overhead. It’s paying for a scholarship, a bag of food to sustain a child’s nutrition through the weekend, a pair of athletic shoes, or a warm coat for a child who needs one.

Is the NWFCU Foundation a nonprofit organization?

Yes. The NWFCU Foundation is a registered nonprofit organization, recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Are donations tax‑deductible?

Contributions to the NWFCU Foundation are generally tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. We encourage donors to consult a tax professional for guidance specific to their individual circumstances. We will provide written acknowledgment of your gift for tax purposes.

How can I donate to the Foundation?

Giving is easy, and every gift, large or small, makes a real difference. You can support the NWFCU Foundation online by credit card, by check, through an ACH transfer, directly from your NWFCU member account, or through NWFCU’s employee payroll giving. Choose whatever works best for you from our donation portal page..

If you are ready to be that person for a student, we would love to hear from you. Reach out to us at foundation@nwfcu.org to take the first step.

I’m a business interested in becoming a corporate partner or sponsoring Drive for the Driven. Where can I learn more?

We welcome partnerships with businesses that share our commitment to supporting youth and strengthening our community. Corporate partners can support the Foundation through event sponsorships including our annual Drive for the Driven Golf Tournament, supporting a seasonal outreach drive, offering in‑kind donations, and employee engagement opportunities. To learn more about partnership opportunities, visit the Corporate Partners section of our website or contact the Foundation directly at foundation@nwfcu.org

How do I make a donation to the NWFCU Foundation?

Donations can be made easily and securely through the NWFCU Foundation website. We accept one‑time and recurring gifts, and many of our programs also welcome in‑kind donations such as food, hygiene items, coats, shoes, and school supplies during designated drives. Every contribution helps us invest in students and families when they need it most.

My company offers a matching gift program. How can I take advantage of that?

If your employer offers a matching gift program, your donation to the NWFCU Foundation may be eligible to be matched—doubling or even tripling your impact. After making your gift, simply submit your company’s matching gift form, and our team will be happy to complete the verification process. If you have questions, we encourage you to reach out to us directly by email at foundation@nwfcu.org for assistance.

What types of requests does the NWFCU Foundation not support?

The NWFCU Foundation focuses its resources on youth‑centered initiatives that align with our mission to promote education, opportunity, and basic needs support. As a result, we do not support political organizations or campaigns, individual fundraising efforts, religious activities, or programs that fall outside our geographic footprint or youth‑focused priorities. We also do not fund event sponsorships.

How can I get involved with the NWFCU Foundation?

As an individual, you can donate, participate in a community drive, volunteer to serve as a mentor, or simply share our mission with the people in your network.

If you represent a business or community organization, we welcome conversations about corporate giving, event sponsorships, and collaborative programs that support students and schools across our region.

If your school is located within seven miles of an NWFCU branch, our NWFCU employees are ready to volunteer in meaningful ways. Reach out and let’s start the conversation.

However you choose to show up, you will be joining a community of people who believe in the power of investing in young lives. And that makes all the difference.

How can I become a mentor?

Mentoring is one of the most meaningful investments you can make in a young person’s life, and one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have for yourself. Each year, we recruit dedicated mentors to serve students at Dranesville Elementary School and Herndon High School. You do not need to be an NWFCU employee to participate.

Our mentors come from all walks of life, united by one shared commitment: showing up consistently for a child who is counting on them. As a mentor, you will commit to meeting with your student weekly or bi-weekly throughout the school year, building a relationship rooted in trust, encouragement, and genuine care. You will complete a background check and participate in mentor training before you begin, so that you feel confident, prepared, and ready to make a real difference from day one.

Can I include the Foundation in my will or estate plan?

Yes. You can include the Foundation in your will or estate plan, and doing so is a meaningful way to create a lasting impact while supporting the causes you care about most.

By naming the Foundation as a beneficiary in your will, trust, retirement account, or insurance policy, you help ensure that your values live on and that future generations continue to benefit from our mission. These types of gifts—often called bequests or planned gifts—can be made in a way that fits your personal, family, and financial goals.

Including the Foundation in your estate plan is typically straightforward and can be:

• A specific dollar amount
• A percentage of your estate
• The remainder of your estate after other gifts are made

We encourage you to consult with your attorney or financial advisor to determine the best approach for your situation. If you decide to include the Foundation, letting us know—though not required—allows us to thank you and ensure your intentions are understood.
If you would like more information or sample bequest language, please contact us by email at foundation@nwfcu.org. We would be honored to be part of your legacy.

How can I make a charitable gift through my IRA using a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), and can it count toward my Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)?

If you are age 70½ or older, you may be eligible to make a charitable gift directly from your IRA through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD).

If you are required to take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) for the year, your QCD can count toward satisfying all or part of that RMD, provided the distribution is completed within the calendar year. This can be a tax‑efficient way to meet your RMD requirement while supporting a cause you care about.

How can I contact the Foundation?

For questions about programs, donations, or partnerships, please contact the NWFCU Foundation at foundation@nwfcu.org.