EAST HARTFORD, CN (July 22, 2026) |
American Eagle Financial Credit Union (“American Eagle”), Connecticut's largest community credit union, today announced the latest recipients of its Cash Back to the Community program: the Vernon Youth Football and Cheerleading program, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut & Western Massachusetts, and The Cornerstone Foundation. Cash Back to the Community transforms members' everyday debit and credit card purchases into grants for local nonprofits, with a portion of every card transaction supporting organizations making a meaningful difference in the communities American Eagle serves.
Each quarter, community members nominate nonprofits to the program. After the credit union screens nominees for eligibility, the public votes online, and the top three organizations split that quarter's accumulated funds equally. The program highlights nonprofit organizations that create lasting local impact and puts those card-swipe dollars directly to work in support of their missions. This quarter's recipients represent a wide range of organizations dedicated to strengthening Connecticut and Western Massachusetts.
“These three organizations show up for our neighbors and communities in simple, yet meaningful ways that can be easily overlooked,” said American Eagle Financial Credit Union SVP, Chief Community Officer Simeon Chapin. “Whether it’s equipping young athletes, standing beside families during a medical crisis, or making sure no one goes without a meal or a place to sleep, their work reflects what is important to our membership, and that is what Cash Back to the Community was built to support. We’re honored to help fuel it.”
Vernon Youth Football and Cheerleading works to instill good citizenship, sportsmanship, and the competitive fundamentals of football and cheerleading. Beyond the scoreboard, the organization focuses on developing conditioning, discipline, and teamwork in its young athletes to help them carry a winning attitude both on and off the field.
"This award has made a tremendous impact, allowing us to purchase top-of-the-line helmets to keep our players safe. As a nonprofit, every contribution helps us better serve our young athletes and the community. We're incredibly grateful to American Eagle and the Cash Back to the Community program." — Bill Firetto, President
The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts provides essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need medical care. The organization's vision is a world where every family has what they need to secure the best possible health outcomes for their children, and its work centers on caring for families with children who are ill or injured.
"Support from American Eagle Financial Credit Union's Cash Back to the Community program helps us provide comfort, stability, meals, and essential resources to families, allowing them to stay close to their child during critical medical care. We're grateful for this partnership and the hope it brings during life's most challenging moments." — Michelle D’Amore, Executive Director
The Cornerstone Foundation is dedicated to keeping people safe, fed, clothed, and sheltered. Through its Community Kitchen, Food Cupboard, and Clothing Bank, the organization meets some of the most basic and urgent needs facing Greater Hartford families, including those experiencing homelessness.
“We're incredibly grateful for this generous support, which helps us provide food, clothing, shelter, and other essential services to individuals and families in need throughout our community.” — Grace Boucher, Executive Director
American Eagle encourages members and community partners to nominate deserving local nonprofits for future Cash Back to the Community consideration by visiting www.americaneagle.org/advice-
