We're dedicated to making Baltimore a better place to live.
At MECU, our commitment to Baltimore doesn't stop at our office doors. We take pride in enriching lives all over the city. We offer financial workshops, provide funding for community events and collect and distribute food for those in need. And those are just a few examples of our outreach efforts.
Since 1936, MECU has been committed to supporting the local communities we serve. Through philanthropic efforts, education and scholarship programs, and community outreach, we are dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Baltimore residents.
Charitable Contributions
MECU provides financial support to 100+ charitable organizations who are working to make Baltimore a better place to live. We support local nonprofits in areas such as youth empowerment and education, community development, and arts and culture. Some of our community partners include Arts Every Day, Baltimore City YouthWorks, Maryland Food Bank, Villa Maria and Helping Up Mission.
- Jeans for Good – Every other Friday, our employees can wear jeans with a $5 donation to a local charity. In 2018, Team MECU raised over $11,000 by going casual for a cause!
Employee Volunteerism
MECU offers employees paid volunteer time to encourage volunteering. In 2018, Team MECU volunteered over 4,000 hours in the community, which adds up to over $100,000 in community impact. Some of the organizations supported by our volunteers include Maryland Food Bank, Hope & Grace Mission, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, American Diabetes Association, Junior Achievement and Our Daily Bread.
Community Outreach & Financial Education
- Financial seminars and workshops– MECU hosts complimentary financial workshops on topics such as building credit, buying your first home and money management.
- Partner Schools – We proudly support our local schools with reading literacy initiatives and financial education for young students.
- Money Power Day – MECU is a founding member of Money Power Day, the region’s largest free financial fitness fair. Learn more
Arts Every Day Arts Challenge Fund
In partnership with Arts Every Day, MECU has committed $200,000 over four years to expand access to arts and music education in Baltimore City Public Schools. MECU’s annual contribution will help establish the Arts Challenge Fund, with matching grants for Public Schools principals who expand and sustain arts instruction. In addition, MECU will be the exclusive sponsor of MECU Music Ed/Remix, a new program that will enable local musicians to collaborate with Baltimore City Public Schools students on original works, record those compositions, and stage two performances over a single school year.
MECU Neighborhood Event Grants
Since 2012, over 600 MECU Neighborhood Event Grants have been awarded to Baltimore City nonprofits to host public neighborhood events. MECU has provided over $400,000 in funding for art workshops, back-to-school rallies, block parties, book drives, food drives, health fairs and neighborhood clean-ups. The MECU Neighborhood Event Grant program is a partnership with Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts (BOPA) and Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development. Visit BOPA for application details.
MECU College Scholarships
Since 2007, MECU has provided more than 100 scholarships totaling more than $110,000 to students pursuing higher education. MECU has partnered with CollegeBound Foundation to award 10 annual $1,000 “Merit and Service” Scholarships to Baltimore high school seniors who achieve high academic performance or demonstrate a commitment to community service. Learn more about MECU College Scholarships.
