What is Cash Back to the Community?

AEFCU is continuing its popular charitable program Cash Back to the Community in 2021. Funding is generated each time its members use an American Eagle Financial Credit Union credit or debit card. At the end of each quarter, one percent of the total interchange income – the fee paid for credit and debit card transactions – is distributed to the three top qualified nonprofits as voted on by a combination of the Credit Union’s members and the public.

“We created Cash Back to the Community to invite our members and public to play an active role in our philanthropic efforts. Little did we know then how vital these funds would be to nonprofits during the current COVID-19 pandemic. We are concentrated on making the places where we live and work better, and responding quickly during critical times,” said Dean Marchessault, President and Chief Executive Officer of American Eagle Financial Credit Union.

How are Donations Awarded?

Each quarter we will hold a nominating period followed by a voting period through our website and social media sites. At the end of each quarter, one percent of that quarter’s interchange income will be distributed equally among three qualified nonprofits and/or 501(c)(3) organizations as voted on by the Credit Union’s members and the public. In the event of a tie, American Eagle employees will vote to determine the winner. An organization can win one time. A total of 12 different nonprofit organizations will receive a donation during the year.

Nominating Guidelines

• All previous Cash Back to the Community donation recipients are excluded from participation.
• Organizations who receive a sponsorship, donation, or grant of $1,000 or greater, during the same calendar year, are excluded from participation.
• Organization must be a nonprofit and/or a 501(c)(3) headquartered in Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven, or Tolland County in Connecticut or Hampden County in Massachusetts.
• Organization must operate under best practices for governance (e.g., hold regular board meetings, provide financial oversight of the organization, etc.).
• Board of directors and staff are representative of the racial/ethnic diversity of the region served.
• Organization must not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, national origin, handicap, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected classes as required by law.
• Results are outcomes that last, not just annual activities and one-time events.
• Organization or cause should positively and directly impact our community versus large, national organizations.
• At least 75% of the organization’s expenses should be spent directly on their programs.
• AEFCU reserves the right to disqualify organizations that support topics likely to give rise to controversy or public disagreement.

Nominating Process

The organization only needs to be nominated once each quarter to be included on that quarter’s voting ballot.

1. During the designated nominating period, go to americaneagle.org/cashbacktothecommunity
2. Enter the organization name
3. Enter the organization town
4. Enter your email
5. Click Submit
6. Wait for the voting period to begin!

Voting Process and Guidelines

Share the voting link with friends, family, coworkers, and others and encourage them to vote.

Each person may vote one time per email address per quarter. The three organizations with the most votes will be awarded a donation.

1. During the designated voting period, go to americaneagle.org/cashbacktothecommunity
2. Select the button next to the organization to receive your vote
3. Enter your email
4. Click Submit
5. Wait for the winners to be announced!

2021 Cash Back to the Community Schedule