And how your business can similarly give back
In a significant move to support educational opportunities for students with special needs, CCBank and its subsidiary, Security Home Mortgage, have jointly contributed $2.25 million to Utah’s Children First Education Fund (CFEF). This substantial donation underscores the organizations’ commitment to community development and educational choice for families across the state.
Empowering Students Through the Children First Education Fund
Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit scholarship-granting organization, the Children First Education Fund is dedicated to providing school choice options for students with disabilities. The fund’s mission is to ensure that every child with special needs in Utah has access to an education tailored to their unique requirements. This is particularly vital in a state where over 80,000 students are eligible for such programs.
The CFEF administers scholarships under the Carson Smith Opportunity Scholarship Program, which was championed by the Utah State Legislature in 2019. This program has been instrumental in offering financial assistance to families, enabling them to select educational environments that best suit their children’s needs. By partnering with various private schools and educational vendors, the CFEF ensures a broad spectrum of choices for parents seeking the optimal setting for their children’s education.
CCBank’s Commitment to Community and Education
Founded in 1993, CCBank is a community-focused financial institution with branch offices in Salem, Provo, Orem, Pleasant Grove, Sandy, and St. George. The bank prides itself on being a longstanding community bank headquartered in Pleasant Grove, emphasizing Utah communities’ financial and social health through industry-leading rates, personalized service, financial technology, and swift local decision-making. This recent contribution to the CFEF aligns seamlessly with CCBank’s mission to foster community development and support educational initiatives.
Matt Field, President and CFO of CCBank, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “At CCBank, we believe that education is the cornerstone of a thriving community. Personally, as the father of a special needs child, we have experienced first-hand the challenges that exist for these students as they swim with the masses in our school systems. Our partnership with Utah’s Children First Education Fund reflects our dedication to supporting those students that have special education needs. By investing in our children’s future, we are, by extension, investing in the future of our community. We are honored to support an organization that shares our vision for helping those in our community with needs and the next generation through education.”
Security Home Mortgage: A Partner in Progress
As a subsidiary of CCBank, Security Home Mortgage shares the parent company’s dedication to community enhancement. Founded in 1999 by Jon Chamberlain, Security Home Mortgage has built a reputation for dependability and personalized service, catering to each client’s unique needs. With over 90 mortgage lending experts, the company emphasizes a seamless and efficient experience for customers, keeping all loan processes in-house. This approach ensures that clients receive the attention and care they deserve during significant financial decisions.
The decision to contribute to the CFEF is a testament to Security Home Mortgage’s commitment to giving back to the community and supporting initiatives that make a tangible difference in the lives of Utah’s residents.
Impact of the $2.25 Million Contribution
The generous $2.25 million donation from CCBank and Security Home Mortgage is poised to have a profound impact on the CFEF’s operations and outreach. One hundred percent of the contribution will be allocated to supporting Utah students from low- and moderate-income families, ensuring that financial barriers do not impede access to quality education for students with special needs.
Ronnie Daniel, Executive Director of the Children First Education Fund, highlighted the significance of this support: “We are incredibly grateful for CCBank’s generous contribution. This funding will enable us to expand our programs and reach even more children in need, especially those who are currently on a waitlist. It is partnerships like this that make a tangible difference in the lives of our students, providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.”
The infusion of funds will allow the CFEF to reduce or eliminate waiting lists, ensuring that more students receive timely assistance. Additionally, the donation will facilitate the expansion of partnerships with private schools and educational vendors, broadening the spectrum of choices available to families. This aligns with the CFEF’s goal of offering diverse educational environments where students with disabilities can thrive.
A Call to Action: Supporting the Children First Education Fund
The collaboration between CCBank, Security Home Mortgage, and the CFEF serves as a compelling example of how community partnerships can drive meaningful change. However, the need for support extends beyond this generous contribution. Individuals and businesses across Utah are encouraged to consider donating to the Children First Education Fund.
One of the unique incentives for donors is the 100% Utah State income tax credit available for contributions to the fund. This means that donors can redirect their tax dollars to directly support educational opportunities for students with special needs, making it a mutually beneficial arrangement. As highlighted by the CFEF, “Donating to the fund gives you a 100% tax credit and provides options and opportunities for the students that need it most. There are more than 400 students on the CFEF waiting list hoping for a scholarship.”
For more information on how to contribute and the benefits associated with donations, interested parties can visit the CFEF’s official website. By joining this cause, donors become integral to a community-wide effort to enhance educational access and quality for all students, regardless of their circumstances.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Educational Choice in Utah
The partnership between CCBank, Security Home Mortgage, and the Children First Education Fund marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of educational equity in Utah. By providing substantial financial support, these organizations are not only addressing immediate needs but also setting a precedent for future collaborations aimed at empowering students with disabilities.
As more community stakeholders recognize the importance of such initiatives, it is anticipated that additional partnerships will emerge, further strengthening the support network for special needs education. The ultimate goal is to create an inclusive educational landscape where every child, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to succeed and contribute meaningfully to society.
Visit cfe-fund.org to learn more and take action today!
