SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 19, 2022 – Golden 1 Credit Union (Golden 1) is pleased to announce 31 nonprofits in California are recipients of its annual Community Grant Program. This year, almost $600,000 in grants are being awarded to nonprofits in the Sacramento region and the Central Valley to help advance initiatives that promote literacy and assist foster youth as they transition to adulthood. This year’s recipients include Teach For America California Capital Valley in Sacramento and California Youth Connection (CYC) in the Central Valley.   

“The nonprofit organizations that received grants this year strengthen our communities and help create bright futures for younger generations,” said Erica Taylor, Vice President of Communications and Community Relations for Golden 1 Credit Union. “It’s an honor for Golden 1 to help further the missions of these 31 organizations and we look forward to seeing the important work they do to support Sacramento and the Central Valley.” 

Teach For America California Capital Valley is working to confront educational inequity by building a diverse network of leaders in teaching and related fields. Sacramento is currently home to more than 500 Teach For America alumni with 75% working in schools as teachers, principals or districts leaders, 20% being civic or systems leaders, and 5% being entrepreneurs. 

“We felt both gratitude and encouragement when we learned that we received a grant from Golden 1,” said Jonathan Yang, Director of Communications for Teach For America California Capital Valley. “Gratitude because we know our work would not be possible without generous donors like Golden 1, and encouragement because this grant proves the benefit of doing our work in partnership with like-minded organizations like Golden 1.” 

CYC empowers transition-aged youth in the Central Valley who have experienced the foster care system by building their leadership and advocacy skills, while uplifting their voices to ensure they are at the center of decision-making processes that directly impact them. CYC’s work has helped to pass dozens of laws that have profoundly improved the lives of the 60,000 children and youth in California’s foster care system. 

“Golden 1’s investment will provide support for California Youth Connection members as they advocate for systemic improvements in policy and practice that directly affect lifetime outcomes for foster youth, particularly in higher education, and employment,” said Marissa Miller, Chief Philanthropy & Strategic Partnerships Officer for California Youth Connection. “Thank you to Golden 1 for helping pave the way for foster youth to grow into healthy and vibrant adults.” 

Since its inception in 2014, the Community Grant Program has provided nearly $5 million in support for nonprofits across California. The following nonprofits were awarded throughout the state this year:  

·   3Strands Global Foundation  

·   916 Ink  

·   Adventure Risk Challenge  

·   Aspiranet  

·   Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County  

·   Breakthrough Sacramento  

·   California Youth Connection  

·   Child Abuse Prevention Council of Sacramento  

·   Children's Choice for Hearing and Talking Sacramento (CCHAT)  

·   City Year Sacramento  

·   Community HousingWorks  

·   Evangel Home Inc  

·   Every Neighborhood Partnership  

·   Focus Forward  

·   FosterHope Sacramento  

·   Foundation for California Community Colleges  

·   Improve Your Tomorrow  

·   Juma Ventures  

·   Parent Institute For Quality Education  

·   PRIDE Industries  

·   Reading and Beyond  

·   Reading and Math Inc  

·   Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center Inc.  

·   Sacramento LGBT Community Center  

·   Sacramento Literacy Foundation  

·   Shores of Hope  

·   Sierra Nevada Journeys  

·   Society for the Blind  

·   Stanford Sierra Youth & Families  

·   Teach For America Inc.  

·   Waking the Village  

ABOUT GOLDEN 1 CREDIT UNION  

With over $18 billion in assets, Golden 1 Credit Union is one of the largest and most admired credit unions in the United States and proudly serves all those who live or work in California. Golden 1 delivers financial solutions with value, convenience, and exceptional service to our members. As a dynamic and trusted leader, Golden 1 is committed to enhancing the financial well-being of Californians and their diverse communities. Golden 1 is over 1 million members strong and has over 2,000 employees. Visit golden1.com for more information.