RICHLAND—Gesa, a community-focused credit union, on Tuesday announced its 2024 Local Heroes Grant Program will be accepting grant applications through July 31, 2024. Any local organization that supports local heroes in a Gesa community, such as firefighters, healthcare workers, law enforcement, educators, and veterans, is encouraged to apply for grants up to $50,000 to support their efforts. In its fourth year, the program will offer more than $400,000 in grants.
“Gesa has long admired and appreciated the heroes who work hard to enhance and protect our local communities,” said Amber Merrill, Community Relations Manager at Gesa Credit Union. “Our Local Heroes Grant Program stands as a way to honor their selfless and noble efforts. We’re in awe that the program continues to grow thanks to the generous support of our members, allowing us to support even more local organizations in need.”
Funds for the grants are generated through Gesa’s Affinity Debit Card Program. With every swipe of a Local Heroes co-branded Gesa Visa® Debit Card, Gesa members earn funds designated for grants in that card’s Local Heroes category. Funds accumulate over the course of a year and are distributed annually by the Gesa Community Foundation.
The Local Heroes Grant Program began in 2021 and to date has provided more than $1 million in grants to more than 100 organizations. The grants provide vital resources to help ensure that these groups can have the tools they need to best serve local communities across the region.
Grant applicants must provide proof that the funds will directly benefit at least one of the specified Local Heroes groups in a Gesa community, which is defined as a community where Gesa has a physical location. The grant application period closes July 31, 2024.
For more information on grant eligibility and to apply, visit www.gesa.com/community/local-heroes.
