Veridian Credit Union awarded $38,000 to 20 nonprofit organizations across Iowa and eastern Nebraska in celebration of Giving Tuesday.
Employees nominated local nonprofits for a chance to win up to $5,000 in the credit union’s annual giving campaign. Public voting from Nov. 1-11 determined the amount of funding awarded to each organization.
“The holidays are often a time of increased need, and many in our communities are facing an additional, unique set of challenges this year,” Veridian’s President and CEO Renee Christoffer stated in a news release. “Spark the Spirit is one way to give and a reminder for all of us of the importance of giving locally.”
The top-voted organizations in each region, including Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, the Des Moines metro and Omaha/Council Bluffs, received $5,000 each. Organizations that received the second- and third-most votes in each region were awarded $2,500 and $1,000, respectively. The two organizations receiving the least votes in each region received $500 each.
Deafinitely Dogs, a nonprofit that connects individuals with trained service animals, won the $5,000 top prize in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City category. The organization is located at 2802 Lippisch Place SW.
Cedar Rapids’ Freedom Foundation, a nonprofit supporting veterans, won second place in the Veridian awards. The organization received $2,500 and is located at 609 Center Point Road NE.
Third place went to Four Oaks Family and Childrens’ Services also in Cedar Rapids. The organization works with families to ensure children will be successful adults.
Willis Dady Homeless Services in Cedar Rapids and Trees Forever in Marion tied for fourth, earning $500 each from the credit union. Willis Dady provides shelter, case management, homeless prevention and veteran support. Trees Forever plants and cares for trees and the environment through volunteering.
Checks were presented to the organizations in time for Giving Tuesday on Nov. 29.
