The fourth annual Maps Credit Union Community Challenge has wrapped up with Planting Communities edging out the competition.

The Woodburn, Ore.-based nonprofit that helps residents grow their own food, was awarded $2,000 by the Maps Community Foundation, which is funded by donations and grants.

The award honors individuals and organizations helping the local Salem, Ore. community in the areas of financial literacy, affordable housing, hunger, homelessness, education and health.

Members voted for the winner via text. The Foundation also awarded $500 each to the two finalists: Home of the Brave, which supports veterans, and Hope Station Community Services, which provides food, clothes and other necessities for those in need.

“We wanted to highlight the groups and individuals who are working every day to address the issues facing our community,” Maps CU Community Development Officer Mitzi Smith said. “We chose the finalists based on those that best fit with the foundation's mission of improving community members' ability to build assets.” 

Since launching the program, the Foundation has given away $9,000 in Challenge grants to individuals and nonprofits. Every time a Maps member buys something with his or her free community checking debit card, the credit union also donates one penny to the foundation.

“That makes it easy for our members to see how their everyday actions have a direct effect on the social issues that impact the lives of everyone who lives in the areas we serve,” Smith said.

The Maps Community Foundation was created to support lifelong learning and economic development in the community. Over the years, the Foundation has built partnerships, worked with local youth, funded college scholarships, and engaged in efforts that strengthen the community.