Despite dealing with their own challenges, credit union have stepped up to assist their communities during the coronavirus (COVID-19) threat.

Here’s a sampling of how credit unions are helping their local communities:

Desert Financial Credit Union, Phoenix, will donate $500,000 in emergency funds to five Valley nonprofits supporting critical community needs in the wake of COVID-19.

Dow Chemical Employees’ Credit Union Midland, Mich., committed $200,000 to organizations in several counties to support local relief efforts. It will distribute the donation among the United Way of Bay County, United Way of Clare and Gladwin Counties, the Midland Area Community Foundation, and United Way of Saginaw County for use on a variety of COVID-19 relief initiatives.

In response to the unprecedented economic, health, and community wellness impacts of COVID-19 and related shelter-in-place directives, Redwood Credit Union (RCU), Santa Rosa, Calif., is distributing more than $800,000 in grants to more than 45 nonprofit organizations across Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, San Francisco, and Sonoma Counties. The grants will address the most pressing needs of vulnerable populations in RCU’s core funding priority areas of food and housing security, health and financial wellness, education, and workforce development.

Elevations Credit Union, Boulder, Colo., announced it will match donations to its COVID-19 relief fund up to $250,000. “We believe in giving back to the people and places we serve,” says Dennis Paul, vice president of community affairs. “Our members, employees, and local community are all feeling the impacts of COVID-19. We want to provide an easy and effective way to help our neighbors during this time.”

Atlantic Federal Credit Union, Brunswick, Maine, donated $50,000 to the Good Shepherd Food Bank to support efforts to secure food for those in need. The Good Shepherd Food Bank anticipates a significant decrease in donated food while it experiences an increase in requests to provide more meals.

First Community Credit Union, Beloit, Wis., is giving local residents the opportunity to win gift cards to local small businesses when they comment on giveaways posted on the credit union’s Facebook page. “We’re not only here to link arms with our community members during this uncertain time by offering financial relief packages, we’re committed to doing our part to promote and support local business as well,” says Jack Gill, president. “We’re all in this together and First CCU is rolling up its sleeves to help.”

Marine Credit Union, La Crosse, Wis., is committing $50,000 per month to front-line teams serving members in branches and offices for local use to support area businesses and non-profit organizations impacted by COVID-19. “Our employees are passionate about supporting small businesses in each of the communities we serve,” says President/CEO Shawn Hanson. “Whether it’s restocking food pantries, ordering from a local sandwich or coffee shop, or donating to a charity who had to cancel their fundraiser, our employees know who needs the most help.”