Community
YES to local community involvement and non-profit partnerships
-Serving our members, employees, and communities in the Flathead Valley and Missoula
-The innovative Park Side Partner Program, building an unparalleled network of cooperation
-A strategic approach to philanthropy, giving and serving here in western Montana
-Supporting local businesses with our Park Side Pays campaign
-Park Side Charitable Foundation, expanding our community investment
Partner Program
Park Side Partner Program!
Park Side Credit Union supports a multitude of causes, but each year we choose to work very closely with three non-profit organizations in both Missoula and the Flathead Valley. We select these official “Partners” with the help of a staff committee and offer each of them a significant donation, employee volunteer groups, cross-promotion, and shared advertising in order to increase their exposure in our communities. It is a great example of strategic philanthropy and the credit union difference. Our positive impact is compounded every year and we are creating an unparalleled network of cooperation. It’s unique, it’s progressive; it’s the Park Side Partner Program.
“Samaritan House is honored to have been accepted as a Park Side Partner! Our participation in the Park Side Partner Program allowed for our organization to connect with the Flathead and beyond. This partnership provided our organization with a greater sense of community and local supporters which in return provided our clients with exceptional resources and services through volunteers and donations. Thank you Park Side Credit Union!”
Chris Krager, Samaritan House
“Friends of the Children – Montana has greatly benefited from our partnership with Park Side Credit Union. We have been able to build awareness of our youth mentoring program through our collaboration at community events and cross-promotion of social and paid media. Park Side has been with us from the start and we are tremendously grateful.”
Benjamin Davis, Friends of the Children
“We have thoroughly enjoyed being a Park Side Partner! Park Side Credit Union has a team full of generous, kind, people who have truly helped advance our mission this year. This partnership has offered invaluable assistance to us in strengthening Western Montana families. Thank you for giving us the chance to be a part of your “yes” community that serves our larger community.”
Hannah Zuraff, Families First Learning Lab
“The Park Side Partner Program has helped Flathead Land Trust by connecting more people to our cherished open spaces and ecological treasures in the Flathead Valley, showing the need to conserve those special places for future generations. It’s a true partnership that will have lasting benefits for our communities and for our landscape.”
Paul Travis, Flathead Land Trust
“We are incredibly grateful to have been a Park Side Partner. This amazing program had a significant impact on the awareness of our organization’s mission and programs. While we are sad to have the year end, we are comforted knowing that the relationships and support developed throughout this partnership will be ongoing. The Park Side Partner Program is all about community, and we are so happy to be a part of their YES culture.”
Kacy Howard, Nate Chute Foundation
“The Park Side Partner Program exceeded our expectations in every way! Not only did Park Side Credit Union bestow a generous grant to WTC, but they also promoted our programs all year long, assisted with volunteer activities, and advocated for our organization with their members. The Park Side Partner Program offers an incredible and exceptional benefit to our community.”
Jen Asebrook, Whitefish Theatre Company
Park Side Pays
#ParkSidePays
- We pay for purchases
- We support local businesses
- We Make Banking Fun – it PAYS to be a member
Random acts of kindness prove to be one of the best ways to engage our members in the community. We attend local events such as Farmers’ Markets and get involved in larger initiatives including Small Business Saturday by taking a group of credit union staff on-site to reward people by paying for their purchases.
We advertise this campaign mostly through social media avenues (Facebook/Instagram) and often surprise shoppers and businesses, showing up unexpectedly with a hefty load of goodwill in our pockets. It’s always entertaining, extremely gratifying, and it’s just who we are.
Foundation
Park Side Charitable Foundation
- POWERFUL, POSITIVE IMPACT!
- Established in 2021
- Independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization
- Mission: To engage more members and build stronger communities
- Funding community projects in the Flathead Valley and Missoula
- Email pscharitable@parksidefcu.com for more information
When you buy a bottle of Park Side Partner Edition wine from MontaVino Winery in downtown Kalispell, you help support local nonprofits. For each bottle purchased, we donate $5 to their wonderful efforts. Kick back and enjoy your tasty vino with double the satisfaction!
These special edition bottles feature a hang tag which includes more details about the Park Side Partner Program. They are thoughtful gifts to give and a unique way to share the love of community with others. Bring one to your next summer patio party and help us spread the good word!
2024 FUNDRAISING PROJECTS:
Run Wild 2024 – a 5K and 1-mile fun run and food truck festival to benefit Columbia Falls Junior High School family and consumer sciences (FCS) classroom and purchase new appliances (ovens,stoves,microwaves). Also, benefitting Ravenwood Outdoor Learning Center, Boys & Girls Club of Glacier Country and Land to Hand.
Sign up or donate here
Interested in becoming an event sponsor? Click here
2023 FUNDRAISING PROJECTS:
Samaritan House “Building Stability” – affordable housing for families and veterans and a community center building
Caras Park – family area with outdoor recreation and a safe space to gather in downtown Missoula
The Ascent 2023 – a family fun run/hike to benefit The Ascent Program at Glacier High School, the Center for Restorative Youth Justice (CRYJ), Sparrow’s Nest, and the HEART Locker
Donation Policy
Park Side Credit Union is committed to investing in our communities and in every organization that successfully represents and serves our diverse membership. Our donation policy is focused on the desire to assist the youth and the underserved residents of western Montana, and specifically 501(c)3 nonprofits. For more community news and events follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
Please send any requests to marketing@parksidefcu.com and include organization/event information and sponsorship materials. Thank you!
Scholarship Program
Park Side Credit Union Scholarship Program
- The Park Side Credit Union Scholarship Program awards several local high school students each year with $1,000 to passionately pursue their purpose and make a difference in the world.
- Over 30 students have been recognized since inception and we look forward to encouraging the limitless potential of the young adults who are paving the way for the future.
- *Application available again in February 2025
