CoVantage Cares Foundation raises more than $500K for nonprofits during Giving Tuesday campaign

By Patrick Lynn

PORTAGE COUNTY — The CoVantage Cares Foundation raised $502,900 for 12 nonprofit organizations through its 10th annual Giving Tuesday fundraising campaign, benefiting communities across Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois.

The campaign ran from Dec. 2 through Dec. 16 and included a matching component, with the foundation matching donations up to $200,000. Organizers said the match helped encourage additional giving and significantly boosted the total amount raised.

Charlie Zanayed, CEO of CoVantage Credit Union and president of the CoVantage Cares Foundation, said the milestone year highlighted the impact of community generosity.

“Celebrating ten years of giving through CoVantage Cares is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people come together with a shared commitment to generosity,” Zanayed said. He said the funds will help nonprofits expand services, reach more families and strengthen the communities they serve.

Stephanie Bartletti, vice president of mission and engagement for CoVantage Credit Union, said the matching program helped amplify the impact of individual donations.

“Every contribution becomes even more powerful through our matching program, turning individual generosity into a collective force for good,” Bartletti said.

Each CoVantage branch partnered with a local nonprofit during the campaign, helping build connections and draw attention to community needs.

Nonprofits receiving funding include Meals on Wheels of Stevens Point in Portage County; Elcho Area Health Planning Committee in Elcho; Boys & Girls Club of the Northwoods in Antigo; Good News Project in Marathon County; Iron Area Health Foundation in Iron County, Michigan; Rainbow House Domestic Abuse Services in Menominee, Michigan; Northwoods Veterans Homestead in Rhinelander; Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity in Brown County; Reach Counseling Services in the Fox Cities; Shawano Area United Way; Crandon Athletic Booster Club; and 4 K.I.D.S. Sake in Will County, Illinois.

The CoVantage Cares Foundation was established in 2015 and has contributed more than $4.8 million in grants to nonprofit organizations focused on food, shelter, safety and quality-of-life services in communities served by CoVantage Credit Union.