American Eagle’s “Cash Back to the Community” Program Announces Latest Recipients

July 28, 2023

American Eagle’s “Cash Back to the Community” Program Announces Latest Recipients. Three nonprofits awarded $9,486 each

Winners include Humane Society, Literacy Volunteers and Enfield Loaves & Fishes

The Connecticut Humane Society, New Britain-based Literacy Volunteers of Central Connecticut, and Enfield Loaves & Fishes have been selected to share $28,548 in donations from American Eagle Financial Credit Union’s (AEFCU) Cash Back to the Community program. This year’s second-quarter winners garnered most of the votes from the Credit Union’s innovative quarterly giving program. They were awarded $9,486 apiece this week.

“American Eagle’s Cash Back to the Community directly connects our members and the public with our Credit Union’s philanthropic efforts and mission—and we’re thrilled to announce, congratulate and salute these three organizations who were the top vote-getters chosen by our members, neighbors and friends,” said Howard Brady, President & CEO of American Eagle Financial Credit Union.

$350,000 and Counting: About Cash Back to the Community
Since 2020, AEFCU has donated one percent of its credit and debit card interchange income—the fees paid for credit and debit card transactions—to three nonprofit and/or 501(c)(3) organizations each quarter through the Cash Back to the Community program. Funding for the program 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 fees are distributed to the three top qualified nonprofits as voted on by a combination of the Credit Union’s members and the public. To date, Cash Back to the Community has generated $353,685 in donations.

The nomination period for the next quarterly round of Cash Back is now open! American Eagle members and the public can nominate worthy nonprofit organizations by visiting here.

Here’s information on this quarter’s recipients:

The Connecticut Humane Society
The Connecticut Humane Society (CHS) is the oldest and most comprehensive animal welfare organization in the state, serving thousands of pets every year. As an independent nonprofit organization, CHS does not receive any funding from the government and is not associated with any national animal welfare groups. The pets rely solely on the generosity and support of donors and volunteers.

“We are absolutely thrilled to hear that CHS has been selected as a winner of this incredible award,” said Executive Director James Bias. “This gift will change the lives of dogs, cats, bunnies and other small pet critters as well as the people who love them. Specifically, this gift will enable days, months and weeks of lifesaving care for pets in need. And, once rehabilitated, these pets will be able to find a fresh start in a new home, or for the many pets we serve, journey back to the loving arms of the home that already knows and loves them best, all thanks to American Eagle.” To learn more about CHS, visit https://cthumane.org/.

Literacy Volunteers of Central Connecticut
Since 1978, Literacy Volunteers of Central CT (LVCC) has offered adults free tutoring to improve their English reading and writing skills. Each year they serve over 350 persons, individually and in small group settings, including parent and child groups. The 15 central Connecticut towns LVCC serves are New Britain, Middletown, Berlin, Bristol, Burlington, Cromwell, Durham, East Haddam, East Hampton, Haddam, Marlborough, Middlefield, Plainville, Portland and Southington. They rely on over 150 dedicated and caring individuals to provide the tutoring and support our students need to reach their goals.

“We are delighted to be a recipient of the Cash Back to the Community program. American Eagle’s support is critical to helping LVCC reach our vision of ‘a world where everyone has the literacy skills to thrive,’” said Executive Director Ron Sheffer. “LVCC will use this support to provide free tutoring services to hundreds of adults, helping them acquire the skills needed to gain employment, earn promotions, pass the GED test, obtain citizenship and more. LVCC is extremely grateful to the American Eagle Financial Credit Union for helping us empower adult learners, providing them with the skills that lead to economic self-sufficiency and reducing generational poverty in our community.” To learn more about LVCC, visit www.literacycentral.org .

Enfield Loaves & Fishes

Enfield Loaves & Fishes is a soup kitchen providing meals, aid, and companionship at no charge. Located at 23 North Main St. in Enfield, they serve anyone in need in the surrounding area. A non-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in 1982, Enfield Loaves & Fishes strives to make a difference in the life of people who live with food insecurity. They serve every meal with dignity and respect in a nurturing environment. Their volunteers, board of directors and staff strive to make a positive difference in our community and in the world, and the strength of the organization rests on their shoulders.

“Our purpose is to feed and aid the disenfranchised, and we are solely donation and grant-funded. This donation will provide over 3,000 meals and help us operate the entire facility,” said Executive Director Maya Nicole Matthews. “The number of people looking for help in feeding themselves and their families continues to rise. All of us here at Enfield Loaves and Fishes are very thankful that due to receiving this grant we can continue our mission to aid those in need and improve our society. To learn more about Enfield Loaves & Fishes, visit: www.enfieldloavesandfishes.org .

Below: Nebula, a 3-month-old Terrier/American Pit Bull mix, Connecticut Humane Society Executive Director James Bias, CAWA (Left) and Assistant Director of Development Kerry Garafano, MS, CFRE (Center) accept a donation of $9,486 from American Eagle Financial Credit Union President & CEO. The donation is from American Eagle’s “Cash Back to the Community” program, which has generated over $350,000 in donations to area nonprofit organizations since 2020. Nebula is available for adoption at cthumane.org/adopt.

Below: American Eagle Financial Credit Union President & CEO Howard Brady (Left) presents Literacy Volunteers of Central CT Executive Director Ron Sheffer (Right) a donation of $9,486 from American Eagle’s “Cash Back to the Community” program, which has generated over $350,000 in donations to area nonprofit organizations in its service area since 2020.

Below: American Eagle Financial Credit Union President & CEO Howard Brady (Left) presents a donation of $9,486 to Enfield Loaves & Fishes, as part of American Eagle’s “Cash Back to the Community” program, which has generated over $350,000 in donations to area nonprofit organizations since 2020. Pictured left to right are: Brady with Enfield Loaves & Fishes IT Administrator Nate Sinnott, Executive Director Maya Nicole Matthews, Assistant Executive Director Anthony Miclon, and American Eagle Branch Manager Tatsiana Bentley.