Coastal Community presented the Foundation with a cheque for $26,250 on Wednesday, which will further benefit students attending NIC.
“We are grateful to Coastal Community for its continued support of students and NIC,” said Diane Naugler, NIC Foundation Executive Director. “Through this latest contribution as well as its regular bursary, it is helping NIC in our efforts to build healthy, thriving communities, one student at a time.”
The credit union makes regular contributions to support good causes, but because of successful financial results in 2022, it was able to allocate one-time special funding to support communities across the Islands in the areas of education, healthcare, housing, mental health and food security.
“In 2023 we distributed $1.6 million from our Sharing Our Success program, and we have just started to see the impact the funds will have across the islands,” said Erika Nessman, Coastal Community Area Manager. For Coastal Community, philanthropy is part of its regular business. “It’s embedded in our values. As a credit union, we’re deeply invested in the success and wellness of our communities,” Nessman said. “As a member-owned co-operative, we give back to our members’ communities. It’s a really big source of pride for us.”
At present, the credit union supports the foundation through the Coastal Community Credit Union Entrance Bursary for a student each year.
This started in 2001 when Coastal Community created an endowment to support NIC learning through a gift of $5,000. When creating this award, Coastal Community chose criteria that most closely aligned with their commitment and involvement in the communities they serve. The recipient of this bursary must have a demonstrated financial need and meet the applicable program prerequisites, which include enrolling in a business administration program.
About Coastal Community
For over 75 years, Coastal Community has been passionate about helping Islanders improve their financial health and protect what’s important. This vision is why they have grown to be the largest financial services organization based on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. To help members and clients improve their financial health, they offer a range of personal, business, and commercial banking and insurance services, as well as wealth management through Aviso Wealth. Island communities are their homes, so they make decisions based on knowledge of the local market, strengthening local economies. And they never stop looking for ways to improve the way they do business. Learn more about Coastal Community’s Sharing Our Success program.
About the NIC Foundation
The NIC Foundation has been advancing student success, education and community growth through NIC since 1992. It supports NIC students through scholarships and bursaries, classroom equipment and technology investments with the goal of making the best possible learning facilities accessible in the NIC region. It envisions a future where every student has the opportunity to pursue post‐secondary education, train for a new career or develop employable skills to support themselves and their families. To support the NIC Foundation and make a difference in the lives of post‐secondary students, call 250-334-5074 or visit foundation.nic.bc.ca.
