Bethpage Federal Credit Union Launches Youth Empowerment Initiative

BETHPAGE, N.Y. - Feb. 7, 2020 - PRLog -- Bethpage Cares, Bethpage Federal Credit Union's charitable giving arm, announces a new community outreach program created to harness the passions of young individuals to come together to support the communities in which they live.   Difference Makers, a first-of-its-kind program for the credit union, will award financial grants to enthusiastic students to help improve the quality of life in their local communities.

Bethpage Cares will provide approximately 100 mini grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 to both individual students and student groups ranging from the 5^th grade through undergraduate college, who share their desire to develop a project-focused program to benefit the local community.  Bethpage's Difference Makers Committee will review all applications for grants, which are available now at https://www.bethpagefcu.com/community/volunteer.

"Difference Makers is a new approach to grant making for Bethpage.  Bethpage Cares is shifting gears to now support high-impact projects versus fundraisers that directly impact our communities," said Linda Armyn, Senior Vice President, Bethpage. "Today's youth are both passionate and compassionate and we want to harness that energy and positivity for the good of everyone.  Together, we will make a difference."

Examples of projects Bethpage Cares is looking to support include organizing a beach cleanup, planting a community garden, or starting an anti-bullying campaign at school. Both students and student groups such as afterschool clubs, honor societies, sports teams, and community groups, are encouraged to submit applications which will require a business plan, budget, timeline, and the community impact it will provide.

"We want to effect change and know that there are many ambitious young people today that support our ambitions, but just need financial support. We are excited to invest in our children and continue to enrich the lives of people in our communities," continued Armyn.

Since 2002, Bethpage Federal Credit Union's Bethpage Cares program has helped Bethpage employees volunteer more than 4,000 hours annually, supporting dozens of charitable organizations throughout New York.  Bethpage invests in the community through large sponsored events, volunteerism and charitable grants totaling over $2 million dollars annually.

About Bethpage Federal Credit Union
Information on Bethpage's robust portfolio of banking, borrowing, and investment services, visit www.lovebethpage.com or call 1-800- 628-7070.