#United States #Chicago #community support #Digital Equity #Alliant Foundation

Alliant Credit Union Foundation: A Year of Digital Equity Accomplishments

The Alliant Credit Union Foundation recently announced its impressive achievements in 2024, reporting a record-breaking allocation of over $1.6 million to various community organizations committed to bridging the digital divide across the United States. With a mission to improve digital literacy, access to technology, and reliable broadband in underserved areas, the foundation launched its ambitious Million Dollar Challenge, aimed at investing significantly in initiatives that can close this gap.

Commitment to Local Communities

Across Illinois and beyond, the foundation's grants have targeted organizations dedicated to ensuring that individuals in rural and economically disadvantaged communities can access the digital tools and resources necessary for modern living. President Meredith Richie reflected on the year's accomplishments, noting, "2024 has been a year of mission-driven and meaningful progress for the Alliant Foundation. These achievements reflect the collective efforts of our partners, donors, and community members who share our vision of a more connected and equitable future."

Key Contributions

Several significant grants were vital to advancing the Alliant Credit Union Foundation's mission in 2024:

• - $500,000 to PCs for People to enhance their processing center operations in St. Louis and facilitate the transportation of digital devices.
• - $250,000 for Digitunity to advance their Software Modernization Project, helping organizations fulfill their digital equity requirements.
• - $250,000 to Compudopt aimed at expanding services and providing resources, including education and free internet connection, to households in need.
• - $100,040 for EveryoneOn to support training and devices for individuals seeking to improve their digital skills.

Engaging the Community

The foundation did not stop at grants alone; it took an active role by hosting multiple events focused on enhancing technology access. In a notable collaboration, the foundation worked with EveryoneOn, Visa, and Nevada Partners to establish the Community Access Lab in Las Vegas, part of Visa's Super Bowl Giveback Program. This initiative aimed to strengthen digital and financial literacy within the local community. Importantly, efforts to collect electronic recyclables showcased community engagement: a staggering 15,686 pounds of tech equipment was collected and processed for reuse.

The Digital Divide in Numbers

The statistics surrounding the digital divide are staggering and underscore the importance of the foundation's work:

• - 11.5 million American households remain without internet access according to the 2020 U.S. Census.
• - 1 in 5 parents express that their children's homework cannot be completed without online access.
• - In 2024 alone, the Alliant Credit Union Foundation provided grants totaling over $1 million, emphasizing its commitment to creating digital equity in vulnerable communities.

About the Alliant Credit Union Foundation

The Alliant Credit Union Foundation is devoted to the upliftment and empowerment of communities through financial literacy and access to essential resources. As the philanthropic extension of Alliant Credit Union, the foundation strives to build bridges that enable underserved populations to thrive, aiming to create pathways toward better financial futures through strategic partnerships and impactful grants.

With a resolute vision for a digitally inclusive society, the Alliant Credit Union Foundation showcases what can be accomplished when communities come together to address critical issues like digital inequity.