Community Involvement
Gulf Winds believes in the credit union philosophy of people helping people. We are committed to supporting the communities we serve, and that’s why we created Gulf Winds Cares, a program that engages our team in giving back to our communities. Gulf Winds Cares impacts our youth, elderly, schools and many local organizations.
Just like you, the Gulf Winds team lives, works, and worships within our community charter and we firmly believe in giving back our time and money because we know our investments will have an impact for years to come.
Gulf Winds Scholarship Program
We know the importance of continuing your education, but also are aware that the cost continues to rise. That is why we established a scholarship program to help local students with some of those expenses. Each year Gulf Winds awards $5,000 scholarships to four eligible applicants that are graduating high school seniors or high school graduates. The awards are intended for first-year continuing education students only.
The deadline for 2019 scholarships has already passed. Please check back next year for the 2020 Scholarship deadline.
Organization and Event Sponsorship
Are you interested in having Gulf Winds sponsor or donate to your event or cause? To request a donation or organization/event sponsorship, please complete our Community Sponsorship Application below.
Eligible organizations are nonprofit, tax-exempt as defined in section 501(c)3 of the internal revenue code, or a public service organization or institution. Our Gulf Winds contributions are awarded to qualified nonprofit organizations located in the counties we serve:
- Florida
Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, Gulf, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, Hamilton, Suwannee, Lafayette, Dixie, Columbia and Gilchrist Counties - Alabama
Escambia, Baldwin, Mobile, Washington, Clarke, Monroe, Conecuh, Covington, Butler, Crenshaw, Coffee, Geneva, Dale, Houston and Henry Counties - Georgia
Brooks, Colquitt, Decatur, Echols, Grady, Lowndes, Seminole, and Thomas Counties
Religious groups for religious purposes
Political lobbying or campaigns
Individuals
Organizations practicing unlawful discriminatory practices
Trips or tours
Conferences
Capital campaigns*
Endowments
Team sponsorships
Scholarship programs
Golf tournaments
*Exceptions may include long-standing relationships with partner organizations.
We review sponsorships on an ongoing basis. In order for our team to be able to make the best decisions possible, we advise applications be submitted at least three months in advance of the event.
Gulf Winds makes in-kind donations of merchandise when possible. Please include the number of event attendees you expect at your event.
Gulf Winds firmly believes that when we choose to sponsor an organization and/or charity we are choosing to develop a partnership. With this partnership, we will provide the requested monetary donation and/or requested in-kind donation of merchandise. A monetary donation should include sponsorship benefits for Gulf Winds while the in-kind donation will include promotional items with the Gulf Winds trademark logo and website. If you have a sponsorship packet or additional supporting materials, please include a note in your application so that we can reach out for more information.