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Gesa in the Community —

Local Heroes

Do you know any local heroes that need funding?

We’re now accepting applications for the 2023 Local Heroes Grant Program.

Applications close July 31st.

Stand with your hero

With every swipe of a Local Heroes co-branded Gesa Visa® Debit Card, Gesa members earn funds designated for grants in that card’s Local Heroes category (Firefighters, Healthcare Workers, Law Enforcement, Educators, and Veterans).

The Local Heroes Grants Program awards these funds to eligible organizations that support local heroes in our communities.

The funding varies depending on the amount raised the prior year through the Local Heroes co-branded Gesa Visa® Debit Cards. Grants are awarded in September.

Given back to our communities in 2022:

$3.8 million

A healthcare professional with shoulder-length hair, wearing a yellow scrub top, a stethoscope around her neck, and a name badge reading "Julia". She is holding a blood pressure cuff and is standing in front of a wall with a framed landscape painting, suggesting she is in a medical office or clinic setting.
Local Hero Teacher

How do I know who is eligible?

To qualify for a Local Heroes Grant, an organization must provide proof that the requested funds will support Firefighters, Healthcare Workers, Law Enforcement, Educators, or Veterans in our community.

What is required to complete an application?

Ineligible Requests
Grants will not be awarded for the following:

You can inquire about your grant status or request information by contacting [email protected].

Download the Local Heroes Program Grant Guide

Still have questions?

  • Firefighters
  • Healthcare Workers
  • Law Enforcement
  • Teachers
  • Veterans

The Local Heroes Grant Program funds projects and initiatives that support Firefighters, Healthcare Workers, Law Enforcement, Educators, and Veterans. This includes equipment, training, and program support for the local heroes and organizations they work with.

Every time a Gesa member uses their Local Heroes Affinity debit card, we donate to their card’s cause. Funds accumulated are disbursed annually by the Gesa Community Foundation.

The Gesa Community Foundation Board of Directors—comprised of Gesa team members and community members—works together to evaluate each grant request. The Foundation uses the following criteria for decision-making: connection to a Local Heroes population, financial need, and anticipated impact.

Applications are accepted annually starting in June with decisions finalized by September of each year.

Yes! Eligible organizations can apply annually whether you are awarded funding or not.

You can inquire about your grant status and request information by emailing [email protected].

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Gesa credit union is committed to making a positive impact in the communities we serve.

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With best-in-class rates and a variety of everyday banking products, Gesa has the right account, card, or loan for you.

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Up to 5.00% APY
On select checking accounts!

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Getting started is easy!

Applying should only take a few minutes. Please have these documents ready:

Call (888) 946-4372 or apply at a branch

Already a member?

Use your online banking log-in to pre-fill your application with saved information.

Notes & Fees Glossary

 Disclaimer
*APY* APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Rates, terms, and fees are subject to change. APY is accurate as of the first day of the month – the last dividend declaration date.
SmartPlus Checking*To earn the higher rate, you must:
  1. Enroll in eStatements
  2. Make a monthly direct deposit of over $200
  3. Complete 15 debit card transactions
  4. Provide and maintain a valid email address
  5. Limit one account per member
For any month where the account does not meet the qualification requirements, the account will earn a lower rate. Minimum balance of $5 needed to open.Qualifying account balances meet minimum requirements. APY subject to change monthly. Rate may change after the account is opened. The qualifying period begins with the first day of the calendar month and ends on the last day of the calendar month at 6:00 P.M. Pacific Time. No monthly fees and no minimum balance required to maintain account. Minimum opening deposit of $5. Fees could reduce earnings. Limit of one specialty checking account (Smart Plus Checking) per member.

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