NWFCU Foundation | 2026 Spring Newsletter

Dear Foundation Friend,

Spring is here, bringing a season of growth, energy, and impact at the NWFCU Foundation. Our work is in full bloom, and thanks to you, our outreach calendar is filled with opportunities to make a meaningful difference.

Your generosity, volunteerism, and support continue to fuel everything we do, and I’m excited to share what we’ve already accomplished together in 2026 - along with how you can stay engaged in the months ahead. So far this year, you’ve helped support 18 local schools and reach nearly 5,000 students through our Food for Kids Outreach Collection Drive, distributing more than 66,000 items. We’ve celebrated two ribbon cuttings to unveil new book vending machines through The N.E.E.D.S. Project, expanding access to books and encouraging a love of reading. We’ve also partnered with NW branches on a variety of events, bringing financial education resources directly into the communities we serve and reaching 1,100 students.

This message comes during National Volunteer Week, making it the perfect moment to pause and say Thank You. Your willingness to show up, lend a hand, and serve with heart is what brings this mission to life—and the impact is felt every day by students and families across our communities.

Coming up next is our Clean & Dream Outreach Collection Drive, with a goal of providing 3,000 students with hygiene bags to help promote confidence, dignity, and grace as they head into summer.  Make your gift now to help us reach our goal by May 31.

As always, we are deeply grateful for each of you who shares your time, talent, and heart to advance our mission. I encourage you to read on and explore the many meaningful ways you can engage with the NWFCU Foundation and support students in the communities where NWFCU has branches. Thank you for being such an important part of this work and for all you do as NWFCU supporters.

With gratitude,

Taralyn 

Taralyn Tharp Kohler
VP Foundation Director 

The Food for Kids Outreach Collection Drive was a tremendous success!  Your contributions made a direct and meaningful difference for families who needed it most.

One educator at Sully Elementary School shared, “I wanted to extend my sincere gratitude for the snacks you sent over. We have been working to distribute them to students in need, and your generosity is truly making a difference.”

For many students, something as simple as a bar of soap or a bottle of shampoo can shape their confidence, their health, and their ability to show up ready to learn.

The Foundation is launching our Clean & Dream Outreach Collection Drive which runs through May 31, collecting essential hygiene items like shampoo, soap, deodorant, sunscreen, and more for students in need. With your support, we can ensure every child has access to the basics that so many of us take for granted.

For families already facing difficult choices, essentials like shampoo and soap often fall out of reach. Your support helps close that gap and restore a sense of dignity and care for students who need it most. Help us meet our goal of serving 3,000 local students.

The Foundation is thrilled to announce that our Drive for the Driven Golf Tournament will take place on Monday, September 14 at Stonewall Golf Club, a fun and meaningful day on the course in support of local students. This signature event brings our community together for great golf, great networking, and an even greater cause. Our goal is to raise $225,000 toward our mission.

Every swing at this year’s tournament will ensure our Aspire Higher Scholarship program and outreach campaigns continue to ensure students have the essentials they need to learn with confidence and dignity and further their education.

Thanks to the success of last year’s tournament, the Foundation will be awarding at least twenty scholarships to local students who are preparing to go to college or continuing their post-secondary education.

Spots fill quickly—register a team or become a sponsor today!   Together, we can drive change both on and off the green.

A Slice of Impact: Turning Incentives into Attendance Success

Through the Foundation’s N.E.E.D.S. Project, the Foundation is helping schools meet real, unmet needs in creative and meaningful ways.

At Marshall Road Elementary, they applied for a N.E.E.D. to combat chronic absenteeism.

One fifth-grade student began showing up consistently after receiving small, personalized incentives through an attendance support program. His motivation? Domino’s gift cards, not because he loved pizza, but because he had never experienced having it delivered to his home.

That small moment sparked something bigger. He began showing up to school. His story is just one example of how this program is changing outcomes for students through innovation.

Today, that school says their absenteeism rate has dropped from 17.6% to just 8.0% because of the N.E.E.D.S Project. Read more about it here. 

Know an educator with a need like this? Encourage them to apply through the N.E.E.D.S. Project.

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