59 Nonprofits In Oregon And Southwest Washington Receive More Than $500,000 In Grants From OnPoint Community Credit Union (Photo) - 07/07/26

Funding supports summer camp scholarships, foster youth mentorship, childhood literacy, housing stability and food security programs across the region

PORTLAND, Ore. — OnPoint Community Credit Union has awarded more than $500,000 in grants to 59 nonprofit organizations across Oregon and Southwest Washington through its bi-annual Community Grants & Giving program. The funding supports programs focused on education, foster youth, food security, housing stability, workforce development and access to summer camp for underserved kids.

“Support from community partners like OnPoint couldn’t come at a better time as summer camp season gets underway and families look for affordable opportunities for their children,” said Dani Thompson of the Willamalane Park Foundation, which received $15,000 for summer camp scholarships. “OnPoint’s generosity helps ensure local kids have access to safe, enriching summer experiences while providing families with childcare support. We’re honored to be part of this round of grant recipients and grateful for OnPoint’s investment in local youth and families.”

Bi-annual grant program supports local nonprofits year-round

OnPoint’s Community Grants & Giving program is part of the credit union’s mission to build strong communities. The initiative awards grants to community-based organizations whose work aligns with the credit union’s core impact values, including education, financial wellness, housing stability, food security and youth development.

“Investing in the well-being of our communities is central to who we are,” said Rob Stuart, president and chief executive officer, OnPoint Community Credit Union. “These organizations are doing critical work to create opportunity, stability and connection for people across our region, and we’re proud to help support their missions.”

Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for programmatic or general operating support during two annual application periods held each spring and fall. Funding decisions are made by OnPoint’s Community Relations Committee within 90 days of each application cycle closing. Apply for a grant here.

Below is a selection of this year’s spring grant recipients:

• $15,000 for Dream for Life Outreach to expand community meal and outreach programs serving people facing food insecurity in Southwest Washington. Rising food costs have made it even more difficult for vulnerable populations to meet basic needs. The donation will help sustain and expand these efforts by covering the costs of food, meal-preparation supplies, serving equipment and outreach materials. Funding will also support Dream for Life Outreach’s ability to host larger community meal events and continue providing free meals, including its annual holiday community meal.
• SMART Reading received $20,000 to support literacy programming and the distribution of inclusive books for children in Title I schools in Marion, Polk and other counties across the state. The funding will help recruit and train volunteers, expand access to diverse books and strengthen family literacy engagement efforts. The support comes at a critical time, as only 40% of Oregon third graders met or exceeded reading standards in 2025. Research shows children who are not reading proficiently by third grade are significantly less likely to graduate high school and more likely to experience poverty and housing insecurity later in life.
• $10,000 to Willamalane Park Foundation to provide scholarships for kids in Springfield to attend summer camp, regardless of financial barriers. The donation also helps working families access reliable childcare and recreation opportunities during the summer months. Willamalane Park & Recreation District serves more than 300 children across 15 camps and more than 100 weeks of programming.
• $5,000 to Salem Angels to support mentorship and relationship-building programs for local foster youth and families experiencing foster care. The funding comes as Oregon continues facing significant foster care challenges. Nearly 6,800 children experienced foster care statewide last year, including nearly 570 in Marion and Polk counties. Marion County has seen a 72% decrease in the number of available general foster homes since 2012. Salem Angels works to reverse this trend, providing personalized care packages and resources for foster families, as well as mentorship opportunities for youth. Salem Angels also provides relationship-building support designed to help children build confidence, stability and community connections.
• $3,500 to BendNEXT to fund leadership development scholarships for 10 emerging leaders in Central Oregon. The program includes skills-development workshops, networking opportunities and year-round mentorship circles designed to help strengthen the region’s workforce pipeline. The support comes as Central Oregon employers continue facing workforce challenges tied to high housing costs and childcare shortages, which can create barriers to professional development and long-term talent retention. This grant funding helps grow tomorrow’s leaders and help them further engage in Central Oregon’s long-term vitality.

A 94-year legacy of building strong communities

In addition to its quarterly grant program, OnPoint supports communities year-round through event sponsorships, employee volunteerism, financial education initiatives and nonprofit partnerships across Oregon and Southwest Washington. Since its founding by schoolteachers in 1932, community investment has remained central to OnPoint’s mission. In 2025, OnPoint donated more than $4 million to more than 350 nonprofit organizations throughout the region.

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About OnPoint Community Credit Union

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in Oregon, serving more than 648,000 members throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. 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 who lives, works, worships, or attends school in one of four Washington counties (Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, and Skamania), 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.

Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Oregon Housing Markets Shift In Buyers' Favor; OnPoint Community Credit Union Shares Guidance (Photo) - 07/06/26

OnPoint says financial preparation remains essential as homebuyers gain more negotiating power

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon's housing market is giving buyers more opportunities than it has in recent years, with inventory up, asking prices moderating and homes taking longer to sell.

"The focal point of your mortgage journey should always be about the home; the loan is just a tool to achieve the home,” said Dustin Johnsen, Mortgage Loan Officer at OnPoint Community Credit Union. “Find a lender you can trust, that communicates thoroughly and is flexible and creative. Do what you can to get into your first home and build your life forward with that momentum.”

Oregon's housing market is more balanced, but local trends vary

According to Realtor.com's June 2026 housing data, active housing inventory across Oregon is up 47.59% from three years ago and 6.59% from a year ago. Homes now spend a median of 52 days on the market, giving buyers more time to compare properties and make informed decisions. While affordability remains a challenge as mortgage rates stay elevated, increased inventory and a slower pace of sales are giving buyers advantages and new opportunities.

Trends are playing out differently across Oregon's housing markets. Bend continues to see strong inventory growth despite higher home prices. Portland’s listing prices have softened, making way for buyer opportunities and negotiating leverage, especially for first-time buyers. Eugene remains an active market, with homes selling quickly and buyers still benefiting from more inventory than they had just a few years ago.

Making the most of today’s housing market

Today's market offers buyers more opportunities, but preparation remains key. OnPoint recommends the following strategies to help buyers make informed financial decisions and navigate their local housing market with confidence:

1. Let your budget, not the market, guide your decision. While inventory has improved across much of Oregon, affordability remains a challenge. Before making an offer, look beyond the mortgage payment and consider property taxes, homeowners' insurance, utilities, maintenance, and other ongoing costs to determine what comfortably fits within your monthly budget.
2. Choose a mortgage lender early and get pre-approved. Connecting with a trusted mortgage lender before you begin your home search can help you understand your budget, compare loan options and secure a pre-approval. It also positions you to move quickly when you find the right home and gives you a knowledgeable resource to guide you through the process.
3. Understand your local market. Housing conditions can vary significantly from one Oregon community to another. Understanding inventory levels, pricing trends and how quickly homes are selling in the neighborhoods you're considering can help you set realistic expectations and identify opportunities to negotiate.
4. Focus on your long-term goals, not short-term market movements. No one can predict exactly where mortgage rates or home prices will go next. Rather than trying to perfectly time the market, focus on purchasing a home you can comfortably afford that supports your long-term financial goals. If interest rates decline in the future, refinancing may become an option.

“Life is full of uncertainties, so focus on maximizing and controlling the present,” Johnsen said. “Being a homeowner gives you control over your daily living experiences and overall happiness, as well as financial security. And remember that you have the option to move money around later through a refinance is the rate market changes, or one’s personal situation changes.”

For more information about mortgage options, pre-approval tools and homebuying resources, visit www.onpointcu.com/home-loans or call 971.231.0090 to speak with an OnPoint mortgage loan officer.

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About OnPoint Community Credit Union

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in Oregon, serving more than 648,000 members throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. 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 who lives, works, worships, or attends school in one of four Washington counties (Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, and Skamania), 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.

Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity.

OnPoint Community Credit Union Shares Budgeting Tips As Travelers Face Higher Summer Travel Costs (Photo) - 06/22/26

PORTLAND, Ore. — Americans aren't letting higher prices stop them from traveling this summer. Recent research from KPMG found that 60% of Americans plan to travel this summer, though nearly 40% are adjusting their plans by shortening trips, choosing more affordable destinations or staying closer to home. Those changes come as travel prices rose 9.8% year-over-year in May, according to the U.S. Travel Association’s May 2026 Travel Price Index, fueled by sharp increases in motor fuel (40.9%) and airfare (26.7%) costs.

OnPoint Community Credit Union is sharing practical budgeting tips to help local travelers make the most of their summer plans while keeping their finances on track.

“Higher travel costs are prompting many households to take a closer look at their vacation budgets,” said Amber Kelly, Oregon City branch manager, OnPoint Community Credit Union. “When you have a clear understanding of your budget and priorities, you can spend with confidence, focus on the experiences that matter most and return home knowing your finances are still on track.”

Below are OnPoint’s tips for helping people in Oregon and southwest Washington manage summer travel costs:

1. Build a budget before booking. Estimate the full cost of transportation, lodging, food, activities, fees and tips before booking. Adding a 10% to 15% buffer can also help cover unexpected expenses without relying on credit. Consider creating a daily spending target for meals, activities and souvenirs to help keep costs on track throughout your trip.
2. Plan food and activities in advance. Food, entertainment and last-minute purchases can quickly push a trip over budget, especially in tourist areas. Decide ahead of time where you want to spend, where you can save and which activities matter most. Lodging with a kitchen or refrigerator, packed snacks, grocery stops and free or lower-cost activities can all help stretch your travel budget.
3. Compare the cost of flying vs. driving. Airfare increased 26.7% year-over-year in May, according to the U.S. Travel Association, but driving isn’t necessarily the cheaper option. As of June 22, 2026, AAA reported gas averaged $4.843 per gallon in Oregon and $5.349 in Washington — well above the national average of $3.92 per gallon. Compare the cost of each option before finalizing your plans, including airfare, gas, parking, baggage fees, rental cars, tolls, airport transfers and local transportation. Tracking flight prices over time with tools like Google’s 60‑day fare history can help you spot a low price.
4. Avoid taking on vacation debt you cannot quickly repay. Credit cards can offer convenience, rewards and fraud protection, but carrying a balance can make a trip significantly more expensive after interest. Set a spending limit before you leave and consider using a dedicated savings account for travel expenses, so vacation costs do not follow you long after you return home. If you're using a rewards credit card, redeem existing points or miles to offset flights, hotel stays or other travel costs rather than adding to your balance.
5. Protect your finances before and during travel. A little preparation can help travelers avoid stressful money issues on the road, including declined transactions, lost cards and unexpected fees. Set up card alerts, know how to freeze or replace a card, bring a backup payment method and check whether foreign transaction fees apply before traveling internationally. Consider storing digital copies of important travel documents in a secure location in case they are lost or stolen.
6. Consider adjusting your plans. Recent travel surveys found many Americans are choosing more affordable destinations, shortening vacations or staying closer to home to make summer travel fit their budget.  A regional trip, day trip or long weekend can often deliver many of the same benefits as a larger vacation at a fraction of the cost. Traveling during midweek or shifting your departure dates by a few days can also help reduce transportation and lodging expenses.

“Summer travel is about making memories with the people and experiences that matter most,” Kelly added. “A little planning can go a long way toward helping travelers make the most of their budget, enjoy their trip with confidence and return home feeling good about their financial decisions.”

OnPoint offers savings accounts, credit cards, digital banking tools and financial education resources to help members manage everyday expenses and plan for larger goals, including travel. For more information, visit onpointcu.com.

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About OnPoint Community Credit Union

OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in Oregon, serving more than 648,000 members throughout Oregon and southwest Washington. 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 who lives, works, worships, or attends school in one of four Washington counties (Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, and Skamania), 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.

Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity.