Fall 2025

Dear Foundation Supporter,  

As autumn paints our community in brilliant hues, we enter a season filled with gratitude and purpose. The return to school marks not only a fresh academic start but also the beginning of one of our most active and impactful times at the NWFCU Foundation.

Engage in Our Outreach

As temperatures drop, in partnership with Koons Automotive we are gearing up for our final outreach initiative of the year: Winter Warmth. We invite you to donate new youth coats, hats, gloves, and scarves, or consider sponsoring a child through a financial contribution. Your support ensures that every child can stay warm and safe this winter.  

The N.E.E.D.S. Project Impact

To celebrate our 20th anniversary, we launched a new initiative: The N.E.E.D.S. Project designed to identify and fund unmet needs in local schools. This program empowers educators and community leaders to apply for support in areas that often go overlooked, from literacy and attendance to special education and mental health. Learn more about how this project is already making a difference in the twenty projects we have funded this year. 

Season of Giving: Make a Lasting Impact

As we enter the season of giving, we invite you to consider a tax-deductible donation or a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to the NWFCU Foundation. Because our administrative costs are covered by the credit union, nearly 100% of your gift goes directly to our youth-focused programs. Whether you are making a one-time donation or planning a legacy gift, our dedicated Foundation team is here to help you create meaningful change.  To explore a QCD or Legacy gift, please email foundation@nwfcu.org. 

Thank you for standing with us as we work to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local students.  Continue scrolling to learn more about how you can engage with the Foundation!  

With gratitude,

Taralyn 

Taralyn Tharp Kohler
VP Foundation Director 

Sometimes, the most meaningful impact doesn’t come from dollars — it comes from showing up.

When Dogwood Elementary’s principal shared her wish to see her students “seen” at the South Lakes High School homecoming parade, the Foundation team jumped into action.

With a borrowed Jeep and some decorations, more than 70 Dogwood students, parents, and teachers proudly represented their school in this passionate community tradition — carrying our Northwest Foundation banner with pride.

We are excited to announce that our Aspire Higher Scholarship Program opened this week for applications, running until January 15th. We encourage high school seniors and college freshmen who meet the criteria to apply. Be sure to read the rules carefully, as we have funding available for those who qualify and are selected.

We’re collecting new coats, hats, gloves, and scarves for students across our partner schools. Our goal is to provide at least 2,000 winter items across the six counties we're currently serving.

Here’s how you can help:

• Donate brand-new winter coats & accessories at a NW Branch or Koons dealership!

• Give online to help us purchase new winter coats!

Whether you give, share, or volunteer—your support helps us deliver so much more than just warmth!

A special thank you to:

• Our department leaders who helped secure sponsorships and auction items.
• Our tournament volunteers who generously donated your time and energy to make our tournament a success.

We could not have done it without you!

The Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation empowers youth to achieve their goals by supporting their health,
well-being, and education.  

Youth: Our Purpose

Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation

220 Spring Street, Suite 120 

Herndon, VA 20170

703-709-8900, ex. 4899 | Foundation Website | foundation@nwfcu.org