If you live on the Olympic Peninsula or anywhere in western Washington, chances are you’ve seen First Fed show up for your community. Whether it’s supporting local nonprofits, sponsoring events or volunteering side by side with neighbors, First Fed has built a reputation for being more than just a bank.
And this year? They’re celebrating some pretty big milestones.
Launched in 2015 with a $12-million endowment, the First Fed Foundation has become a powerhouse of local philanthropy. Over the past 10 years, the Foundation has distributed more than $7.3 million in grants to nonprofits, tribal organizations and local government agencies across Washington. Its focus on affordable housing, economic development and critical community services has helped transform lives and strengthen neighborhoods.
“The Foundation is a reflection of who First Fed is at its core,” says Norm Tonina, President of the First Fed Foundation board. “Our goal has always been to invest in the long-term success and wellbeing of the communities we call home.”
Entrance to Porchlight in Bellevue – one of the many nonprofits proudly supported by the First Fed Foundation.
One of the most visible ways First Fed has shown up for its community is through Community Spirit Day – a company-wide volunteer event where First Fed branches closed for the afternoon so team members could give back in a big way. In 2024, more than 170 employees volunteered across 21 nonprofits throughout western Washington, contributing more than 700 volunteer hours in a single day.
From painting murals to serving meals and packing supplies for local shelters, Community Spirit Day exemplifies First Fed’s belief that meaningful service is a team effort – and a powerful one at that.
In addition to community events, First Fed empowers their team with up to three paid days annually to volunteer. Over the past five years, First Fed employees have logged more than 25,000 volunteer hours with over 400 different organizations. In 2024 alone, 20 team members were honored as “Club 100” members for giving over 100 hours of volunteer time.
It’s all part of a broader mission to support thriving, resilient communities – not just through financial services, but through active, hands-on partnership.
To nurture First Fed’s connection between their team members and communities, First Fed recently welcomed Donya Alward as their new Director of Employee Engagement. Alward’s all about connection, and she’s here to lead their team’s engagement, volunteering, and community partnerships.
“I’m excited to help grow the amazing work First Fed is already doing,” Alward says. “This team has such heart – it’s really inspiring.”
Donya Alward, Director of Employee Engagement at First Fed.
Alward brings more than 20 years of leadership experience and a genuine passion for giving back. She’s already making a positive impact by building stronger bridges between First Fed team members and the causes they care about.
As First Fed celebrates these milestones, the message is clear: their commitment to community is stronger than ever. With the First Fed Foundation entering its second decade, new leadership bringing fresh energy to engagement efforts, and events like Community Spirit Day uniting team members around service, First Fed is poised to continue its legacy of impact for generations to come.
Learn more about First Fed’s community commitment at ourfirstfed.com/community-commitment and firstfedcf.org.
First Fed is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.
