OnPoint Community Credit Union Invests $100K in Four Local Environmental Nonprofits

The funding is part of OnPoint’s Green Horizons initiative and will support nonprofits restoring nature, conserving wildlife and reducing e-waste 

PORTLAND, Ore.,  — April 22, 2025 — OnPoint Community Credit Union is giving $100,000 to four local environmental nonprofits to mark Earth Day 2025. The investment is through KGW’s Good Energy Campaign sponsorship. Friends of the Columbia Gorge, Oregon Wildlife Foundation, Free Geek and The Nature Conservancy in Oregon will each receive $25,000 to help protect natural resources and wildlife in Oregon and Southwest Washington.

OnPoint’s Green Horizons initiative supports organizations whose vital work helps address climate change.  Since 2021, the program has provided green auto and solar financing for members, sustainability perks for employees and more $500,000 in funding for local nonprofits protecting our region’s natural resources.

“Dealing with climate change and preserving our planet isn’t just something that happens at a national or global level. Each individual and organization plays a key role,” said Rob Stuart, president and CEO, OnPoint Community Credit Union. “Our Green Horizons initiative empowers local partners to continue their boots-on-the-ground efforts. We are proud to support the people and organizations that fight to keep our environment sustainable for generations to come.”

Supporting local environment nonprofits with Green Horizons 

The Nature Conservancy in Oregon (TNCO) works to conserve the land and waters upon which all life depends. Since 2017, OnPoint’s donations of over $350,000 to TNCO have helped fund projects across Oregon, from restoration of our estuaries and forests to drought-resilient watersheds and community-driven climate solutions.

“OnPoint’s continued contributions as part of Green Horizons makes a huge difference as we face urgent environmental challenges across the state,” said Derek Johnson, State Director of The Nature Conservancy in Oregon. “The steady support helps us focus on local solutions and strategies that build toward a better future Oregonians and the lands and waters we cherish.”

Oregon Wildlife Foundation drives lasting conservation of Oregon’s fish, wildlife, and citizen enjoyment of natural resources. Since 1981, it has partnered with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to ensure scientifically sound wildlife conservation projects are funded. OWF depends upon strong partnerships to help it use donations efficiently for projects, such as highway underpasses protecting endangered frogs and helicopter-assisted stream restoration.

“OnPoint’s support is a vital part of helping us deliver on our mission to help save and even improve the resources we have here in Oregon,” said Oregon Wildlife Foundation Executive Director Tim Greseth.

Free Geek, founded in Portland on Earth Day 2000, sustainably reuses technology and provides digital literacy education to bridge the digital divide. It diverts tech devices from landfills, refurbishes them and gives them back to the community at little or no cost. Equipment that can’t be reused or refurbished is broken into parts for recycling.

“People know that Free Geek helps people, but they don’t always think about the more than 1.5 million pounds of tech equipment we’ve been able to keep out of the landfill,” said Free Geek executive director Juan Muro, Jr. “OnPoint’s Green Horizons donation will support reuse and recycling that has an immediate positive effect on both the environment and people’s day-to-day lives.”

Friends of the Columbia Gorge led the fight to create the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area 40 years ago, but that was just the beginning. It continues to protect the gorge’s scenic, natural, cultural and recreational resources through land acquisition and stewardship, advocacy, education, volunteerism, and partnerships. Friends’ current Share the Wonder campaign permanently protects areas such as Heartleaf Bluffs and the Alashík Preserve, restoring habitat at Cape Horn and Catherine Creek and expanding the Gorge trail network.

“This Green Horizons donation helps us carry the torch of Gorge protection to future generations,” said Friends’ executive director Kevin Gorman. “We rely on the strength and diversity of collaborators who share this vision for the Gorge’s future. We’re grateful that OnPoint is championing one of the world’s greatest natural treasures.”

Increasing accessibility with auto and home special rate discounts 

OnPoint’s Green Horizons offers special rate discounts for members to make going green more accessible. The Green Auto Discount offers 0.25% Annual Percentage Rate (APR)* off auto loan rates for new or used electric or hybrid vehicles financed through OnPoint. People in the market for electric or hybrid vehicles can also find additional incentives through Oregon and Washington state programs.

OnPoint’s Green Horizons also makes it more affordable for homeowners to produce their own solar electricity. When homeowners apply for an EquityFlex Line of Credit for home improvements, they can fix a portion of their line of credit for the purchase of solar panels and receive a 0.25% discount off the EquityFlex Fixed Portion APR**. Homeowners can find even more savings by looking at incentives and rebate programs in Oregon and Washington.

For more information about OnPoint’s investment in building a greener future, such as telecommuting programs, employee volunteer opportunities, and other donations to environmentally-focused organizations, please visit: OnPoint Green Horizons.

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About OnPoint Community Credit Union

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving over 603,000 members and with assets of $9.9 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932.

*Vehicles meeting OnPoint’s Green Auto Discount standards receive a 0.25% discount off stated APR (Annual Percentage Rate). All OnPoint loans are subject to credit terms and approval. Discount does not apply to existing OnPoint auto loans.

**Receive a 0.25% discount off stated EquityFlex Fixed Portion APR when proceeds are used to purchase solar panels. Review of purchase order or invoice required to qualify. Discount applies to invoice/purchase order amount, not to exceed $12,000.