Washington Trust Bank grants Canopy Credit Union funds to continue financial education work

In a trailblazing partnership, Washington Trust Bank has granted Canopy Credit Union $15,000 to continue providing financial education opportunities for students at Lumen High School. This grant will fund a savings match program for juniors and seniors ($10,000) and help establish an emergency personal loan fund ($5,000) administered by Canopy on behalf of Lumen’s student support services.

Since 2020, Lumen High School, a public charter school in Spokane, has been serving teen parents and their children by providing programs with high academic standards, a specialized early learning center, and wrap around supports to meet the layered needs of teen parents.

“Lumen is a beacon of hope in our community,” Charlotte Nemec, Canopy’s President & CEO, said. “Canopy is grateful to support these amazing students with this generous grant from Washington Trust. We can’t wait to see how our partnership empowers students on their journey to financial wellness.”

“Washington Trust is committed to creating meaningful impact in our communities through unique opportunities and partnerships like this one with Canopy Credit Union,” Jack Heath, President & COO of Washington Trust Bank, said. “This collaboration will help provide financial education and real opportunity for the students at Lumen High School to plan for their future.”

This grant is consistent with Washington Trust’s community investment commitment to affordable housing, economic development through job readiness, career training opportunities and financial literacy support, especially for young people from low-income families. Additionally, these funds amplify the work Canopy’s does as a federal designated Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), serving low-income and underserved populations with a unique lending philosophy and empowering financial education.

“While some might be surprised that a bank and a credit union are working together, the synergy of our missions and desire to come together to support this special school just make sense,” Nemec said.

As the end of the school year approaches, Lumen juniors and seniors will learn from financial education workshops taught by Canopy staff and set up their savings match accounts funded by Washington Trust’s donation.