Cash Back to the Community

YOU Can Make a Difference

Our Cash Back to the Community program is back for 2023! Every time you use your debit or credit card, we give to a worthy organization in your community - one that you and other members choose! It's Cash Back to the Community - cash back that makes a big difference. That means the more you use your AEFCU credit and debit cards, the more we give back!

About Cash Back to the Community

The top three organizations, based on total votes from AEFCU members and the general public, will receive a donation from AEFCU. The amount is determined at the end of the quarter based on AEFCU members' debit and credit card usage. A total of 12 different organizations will receive funds for the year (three per quarter).

It's time to nominate an organization of your choice! Nominate here.

Cash Back to the Community 2023 Nominating and Voting Schedule

Nominating Process

• During each nominating period, members and nonmembers may nominate a nonprofit or 501(c)(3) organization through American Eagle’s website, social media, or email.
• An organization only needs to be nominated once for consideration on the voting ballot.
• American Eagle employees, their families, and board members are eligible to submit nominations.
• AEFCU will screen each nominee according to the Cash Back to the Community eligibility guidelines and determine the final list of nominees each quarter.
• Nomination link is only available during the nominations periods listed above.

Voting Process

• During the voting period, share the link with anyone you wish and encourage others to vote!
• One entry per email address is permitted. 
• At the end of the nomination period, qualified nominees will be placed on the ballot for voting through a link on American Eagle’s website, social media, or email.
• One vote per email address per quarter is permitted.
• Individuals are encouraged to share the voting link with others.
• American Eagle employees, their families, and board members are also eligible to vote.
• AEFCU will screen each group according to the Cash Back to the Community eligibility guidelines and determine the final voting ballot list each quarter.
• At the end of the voting period, the top three vote-getting organizations will receive a donation from American Eagle.
• In the event of a tie, American Eagle employees will vote to determine the winner.
• Voting link is only available during the voting periods listed above.

Organization Eligibility Guidelines

• All previous Cash Back to the Community donation recipients are excluded from participation.
• Organizations who receive a sponsorship, donation, or grant of $2,000 or greater, during the same calendar year, are excluded from participation.
• Organization must be not-for-profit and/or a 501(c)(3) organization.
• Organizations must operate under best practices for governance (e.g., have a board that meets regularly, 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.
• Organizations or causes 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.
• Organization should not receive taxpayer funding and must be based within and benefit the residents of Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven, and Tolland Counties in Connecticut or Hampden County, Massachusetts.
• AEFCU reserves the right to disqualify organizations that support topics likely to give rise to public disagreement.
• AEFCU reserves the right to award one like winning organization per quarter (e.g. Food Pantry, Animal Shelter, etc.) and select alternative winners as necessary.
• AEFCU reserves the right to make adjustments to the eligibility guidelines as needed during the course of the year.

Excluded Organizations

• Political organizations.
• Religious organizations.
• Town libraries, parks & recreation, police, fire, and ambulance departments.
• Public and private schools and school affiliated programs (PTO/PTA, sports, clubs, and related activities).

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