CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union wants to help those who spend their time helping others – local charities, foundations, and not-for-profit organizations - that make life better for those in need in the communities they serve. Last November, CommonWealth One members were encouraged to nominate a charity, foundation, not-for-profit organization, or community interest project that they felt deserved a $10,000 donation. Hundreds of entries poured in by the December 15 deadline. CommonWealth One’s Executive Team then selected the five finalists with the most compelling submissions to continue on to the public voting phase of the contest. The finalists selected are:

• Alexandria Seaport Foundation: https://alexandriaseaport.org/
• Animal Welfare League of Alexandria: https://alexandriaanimals.org/
• Big Brother Big Sisters of Harrisonburg and Rockingham: http://www.bbbshr.org/
• Camp Kesem at JMU: https://www.facebook.com/kesematjmu/
• Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services: https://goodhousing.org/

CommonWealth One is producing and posting videos of the finalists introducing their nominated charity, explaining how the prize donation will help further the charity’s mission, and why they feel that their charity deserves to win. Between March 13 and March 31, 2023, the public can visit cofcu.org/big-giver and vote for the charity that they find most inspiring. The finalist with the most votes will be awarded a $10,000 donation for their charity and the four runner-up charities will each receive $1,000! The winners will be announced on April 15.

​​"At CommonWealth One, we continually look for unique ways to engage our members and provide them with opportunities to partner with us in our goal of providing financial wellness to all," said CommonWealth One Chief Marketing Officer, Karyle Thornton. "The Big Giver gives us a platform to support and showcase local organizations dedicated to doing good with a fun, interactive, and viral giving campaign that will positively impact our communities."

About CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union

Since 1944, CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Alexandria, VA, has grown to become one of Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia’s top credit unions. CommonWealth One is a full-service, member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative committed to being its members' lifetime financial partner. CommonWealth One has branches in Washington, D.C., Alexandria, VA, and Harrisonburg, VA (including at James Madison University).