2024 Community Giveback Report

At Rivermark, our dedication to our members extends beyond traditional banking services. We are committed to empowering and uplifting the communities we serve. Our social impact strategy focuses on three fundamental pillars: housing security, children's wellbeing, and combating hunger. We recognize that credit unions are uniquely positioned to drive meaningful progress in addressing these pressing issues.

In 2024, we invested over $650,000 in local organizations, events, and causes that are vital to the well-being of our community. These achievements are a testament to the incredible support and commitment of our valued partners, members, and staff. Together, we are creating a lasting impact and contributing to a brighter future for all. We're not just about words; we're about action.

Giveback by the Numbers 

Giveback Highlights

Rivermark Community Fund Grant Recipient

Each year, the Rivermark Community Fund allocates a $20,000 grant to a local nonprofit that shares its mission of fostering affordable and equitable housing in the Portland area. For 2024, the grant has been awarded to ReFIT Portland, a dedicated organization focused on enhancing the safety and accessibility of homes for individuals facing financial and physical challenges. ReFIT Portland specializes in providing ADA-compliant home improvements, ensuring that vulnerable community members—such as seniors and those with disabilities—have the modifications needed for safe and accessible living spaces. By prioritizing these critical home improvements, ReFIT Portland helps create a more inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive in their own homes.

Rivermark Charity Golf Tournament

Each year, Rivermark proudly hosts a charity golf tournament to support the Rivermark Community Fund, an initiative dedicated to strengthening our local communities. What started as a simple fundraising event has grown into a beloved tradition that many eagerly anticipate and participate in. This year's tournament exceeded all expectations, raising an incredible $93,000—a record-breaking amount! These funds will directly support the Rivermark Community Fund, which provides vital grants to local nonprofits focused on creating more affordable and equitable housing throughout our region. The impact of this generous support will help ensure that more families and individuals have access to safe, stable housing in our community. Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and donated—your efforts make a real difference!

CU4Kids NW Classic Golf Tournament for Children's Hospitals

Rivermark, along with dozens of other credit unions, is proud to sponsor the annual Credit Union for Kids Northwest Classic Golf Tournament. As one of the largest credit union-backed events supporting Credit Unions for Kids nationwide, this tournament plays a pivotal role in raising funds for the Children’s Hospital Network. Through the collective generosity and dedication of all involved, the 2024 event raised nearly $1.6 million. These funds will directly support pediatric rehabilitation, cancer research, and provide critical care, equipment, and services for children in need. It’s a testament to the power of community and collaboration in making a lasting impact on young lives.

Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Donation

Rivermark, alongside many other credit unions, was honored to attend a special event at OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital, where we came together to celebrate the outstanding contributions of "Kids Champions" from each participating institution. These champions, nominated for their unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of children in our communities, were recognized for their efforts to make a meaningful difference. During this heartwarming event, Rivermark, in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, proudly presented a generous $40,000 donation to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. This contribution will support the hospital's critical work in providing care, resources, and hope for children and families in need. It was a powerful reminder of the collective impact we can make when we work together for a shared cause, and Rivermark is deeply grateful to be part of this ongoing effort to support the Children's Miracle Network of Hospitals.

Parenting With Intent

Rivermark has had the privilege of partnering with Parenting With Intent in several impactful initiatives throughout 2024. One of the most exciting and transformative collaborations was the launch of the Financial Literacy for You (FLY) Program. This innovative program aims to provide youth in foster care, as well as the families involved in the child welfare system, with critical access to financial coaching and services through Rivermark. Thanks to generous grant funding awarded to Parenting With Intent, each participant in the program receives a $100 stipend for every coaching session they attend, offering both financial support and an added incentive for engagement. This partnership is helping to empower young people and families with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed financial decisions, ultimately fostering long-term financial stability and independence.

KGW Great Food Drive

For the eighth consecutive year, Rivermark proudly sponsored the KGW Great Food Drive, a campaign dedicated to raising awareness about hunger while collecting much-needed donations. Throughout this month-long initiative, Rivermark, in partnership with other event sponsors, helped provide over 2.5 million meals to those in need. Our branches contributed more than 1,100 pounds of food, which was directly donated to Mainspring Portland and Columbia Gorge Food Bank. In addition, Rivermark staff came together for several volunteer events at the Oregon Food Bank, where they helped sort more than 30,000 pounds of food for distribution to local communities.

To cap off this incredibly successful drive, Rivermark made a significant donation of $250,000 to the Oregon Food Bank—funded in part by grants from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines—which will provide over 760,000 meals. This collective effort reflects our ongoing commitment to fighting hunger and supporting those in need across our community.

Lighthouse Financial Foundation Donation

Following Rivermark's merger with Lighthouse Credit Union in 2020, we proudly became a service partner for the Lighthouse Financial Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing access to financial education, affordable products, and services for individuals seeking financial wellness in Southwest Washington and the Portland Metro Area. This partnership aligns perfectly with Rivermark’s long-standing commitment to fostering financial literacy and empowerment in our communities. To strengthen our continued support of this mission, we were honored to present a $40,000 donation to the Lighthouse Financial Foundation, made partly possible by a generous grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines. This contribution will play a vital role in furthering the foundation's work, helping to provide crucial resources to those in need and supporting our shared goal of promoting financial stability and wellness for all. 

Portland Pickles

In 2024, Rivermark proudly launched its inaugural partnership with the Portland Pickles, a beloved collegiate summer league baseball team that has become a Portland tradition. Known for their vibrant and fun-loving atmosphere—championed by the charismatic mascot and social media sensation, Dillon T. Pickle—the Pickles have earned a reputation for delivering the best live sports entertainment in the area. With a focus on providing an affordable, family-friendly experience, the Pickles foster community engagement and create lasting memories for fans of all ages.

As sponsors, Rivermark is thrilled to help keep ticket prices accessible, ensuring that more fans can enjoy the games while supporting the team’s mission to provide valuable opportunities for up-and-coming athletes. It was truly a joy to connect with our community in such a dynamic and interactive setting, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the Pickles for years to come!

Small Business Spotlights

In 2024, Rivermark made a commitment to supporting our small business members by giving them a platform to shine. Through a series of in-branch spotlights, we brought attention to the incredible entrepreneurs and local businesses that make our communities vibrant and unique. This initiative was designed to provide maximum visibility, giving these small businesses the opportunity to connect with our members and staff in a meaningful way.

Each spotlight allowed our members to discover and learn about the diverse products and services these businesses offer, while also fostering stronger connections within the local economy. From handcrafted goods to specialized services, these small businesses are at the heart of our communities, and Rivermark is proud to play a role in amplifying their voices. By highlighting these businesses, we not only supported their growth but also encouraged a sense of community and collaboration. As a result, members were able to make more informed choices about where to shop, while small business owners gained increased exposure and connections with potential customers.

Pride Month Involvement

Rivermark celebrated Pride Month in 2024 in a variety of meaningful ways. Through the support of a grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, we proudly donated $14,000 to Pride Northwest, the organization behind the Portland Pride Festival. We also hosted a vibrant drag art brunch, where employees created stunning artwork that was later auctioned at multiple Pride events across the Portland metro area. In addition, Rivermark participated in the Beaverton, Portland, and Vancouver Pride festivals, marching in parades, volunteering, and contributing auction proceeds collected from the drag brunch art event to the nonprofit organization Outside In.

Our Future of Community Giveback

As we look to the future, Rivermark is incredibly excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. With the upcoming completion of our merger with Advantis Credit Union, we are poised to enhance and expand our ability to serve our communities in meaningful ways. This merger not only strengthens our capacity to offer a wider range of financial products and services, but it also allows us to reach more individuals and families in need. Together, we will be able to make an even greater impact, driving positive change and fostering financial wellness in the communities we serve. Rivermark is committed to continuing its mission of supporting financial empowerment, and we are eager to embark on this new chapter, building on the solid foundation we've established and creating new opportunities for growth and community engagement.

Learn more about all the great things Advantis accomplished throughout 2024.