Giving Back Is Not a Side Project
The ACU Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit enhancing the lives of military members and South Puget Sound residents through charitable giving, volunteer service, and the Turkey Shoot Golf Tournament.
2025 Year in Review
As I reflect on 2025, I am deeply proud of the meaningful and compassionate work made possible through the ACU Foundation. This past year demonstrated what can be accomplished when generosity, stewardship, and community commitment come together with purpose.
At the heart of our mission is a promise to support those who serve, those who sacrifice, and those who need us most. In 2025, that promise was evident across every initiative, partnership, and moment of care we were able to provide. The highlights below tell the story better than any summary could.
Welcoming Soldiers to JBLM
Through our partnership with the 525 Replacement Center, we helped provide more than 200 welcome baskets filled with essentials like towels, sheets, and pillows, so service members arriving at JBLM felt welcomed and cared for during a time of transition. The Foundation also hosted a Christmas and New Year's celebration for these servicemen and women.
Standing With Gold Star Families
In recognition of the profound sacrifice of Gold Star Families, the Foundation was honored to help create moments of joy and togetherness through our partnership with the Travis Manion Foundation during Hope for the Holidays.
Brighter Holidays for Kids
Our support of Santa's Castle helped make the holidays brighter for young ones in our community, and we were proud to support the Community Club of Lewis-McChord, strengthening the network of care around military and civilian families alike.
Honoring Junior Enlisted
The Foundation purchased tables at both the Army Birthday Ball and the Joint Services Ball so junior enlisted service members could attend these milestone celebrations free of charge, a small but meaningful recognition of their dedication.
Investing in Mission Partners
We continued to invest in organizations whose missions align with our values: NTEF, Together! Thurston County, Dollars for Scholars, the Madigan Foundation, the Honor Foundation, and the Fisher House, each reflecting our shared belief in education, health, stability, and honoring service.
Caring for Older Neighbors
We were pleased to support Yelm's Senior Center, recognizing the importance of caring for older adults who have contributed so much to the fabric of our community.
Why Compassion Guides Our Work
This year, the Foundation supported a family facing a medical crisis when a mother experienced serious complications during childbirth. While she received critical care, her husband and two children required lodging and transportation to remain close by. The ACU Foundation covered those expenses and brought the children's grandmother from New Jersey to care for them during this difficult time. It was a tangible expression of empathy, care, and our belief that no family should face hardship alone.
None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors, the commitment of our board, and the dedication of ACU team members who believe deeply in serving others. Thank you for helping turn compassion into action and impact into lasting change. As we look ahead, we do so with gratitude, humility, and renewed determination to continue strengthening lives and communities in the year to come.
With sincere appreciation,
ACU Foundation
2025 Partners and Grant Recipients
Every dollar raised by the ACU Foundation stays local, supporting military families and South Sound neighbors through these organizations.
Application for Aid
To request assistance please use the application for aid below. For general inquiries or questions, please use the contact form at the bottom of this page.
Download Application for Aid (PDF)The Volunteer Board Behind the Foundation
The ACU Foundation is governed by a six-member volunteer board dedicated to strengthening our military community and South Sound neighbors.
Jacob Cuthbertson
Jacob Cuthbertson is the Marketing Manager of America's Credit Union, where he has served for five years. He previously worked as the Community Liaison on the Credit Union's marketing team and as Branch Operations Supervisor at the DuPont branch, giving him experience across both member service and community engagement. A native of Olympia, Washington, Jacob graduated from Oregon State University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing. He is an Eagle Scout and continues to draw on the values he learned in scouting, living by the Scout motto, 'Be Prepared.' Jacob grew up near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, where many of his friends and their families have served in the military. That connection is a large part of why he is glad to support the JBLM community through the ACU Foundation and its educational, military, and community work.
Dan Nicholson
Dan Nicholson, a native of the Tacoma area and a graduate of the University of Washington, started his company Dzines, after years of research and strategic planning. He formed the idea after experiencing a multitude of entry-level and professional careers including healthcare, restaurants, hospitality, and criminal justice to name a few. During this time Dan realized the importance and the need for quality products and services to help businesses, teams and organizations grow. Today, we are supported by a network of sales professionals and product manufacturers with decades of experience in virtually every trade imaginable.
Shelley Nicholson
Shelley Nicholson is the Co-Owner of Dzines; Creative Solutions and Graphic Designs, specializing in promotional products, branded apparel, and creative marketing solutions. Passionate about community involvement, Shelley finds giving back through volunteerism both meaningful and fulfilling. She serves on the Lacey Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors as President-Elect, supports multiple committees for both the Lacey Chamber of Commerce and Yelm Area Chamber of Commerce, and co-chairs the South Sound BBQ Festival and Nisqually Valley BBQ Rally. Shelley is also a key part of the planning team behind the Clues and Brews Pub Crawl, which helps support the ACU Foundation General Fund, allowing the foundation to extend support and resources throughout the broader community as well as to military families.
Wayne McCarten
A Thurston County Native, Wayne has been the General Manager of Uptown Lounge in Yelm, WA, since 2018. With more than 20 years of restaurant experience, the position of GM has come natural to him. A bachelor's in business studies from Washington State University has also come in handy with these endeavors. Wayne also has a passion for helping others. Through his work with the Keg Spirit Foundation, he has raised over $35,000 to support people in need, including families with a loved one battling leukemia. A proud supporter of our Armed Forces, Wayne hopes to bring his charitable experience to the ACU Foundation and make strides in improving the quality of life for the service members of JBLM.
Bill DeVore
Bill DeVore joined the ACU Foundation as a Board Member in 2024. Owner of the 507 Taproom in Yelm, WA, Bill is no stranger to hosting charitable events. Bill frequently hosts charitable functions at his location in Yelm and is passionate about supporting our Service Members. 'Many of the folks who come through in Yelm are Veterans,' says Bill. 'Providing them a place to relax, unwind, and forget about the stress they are under when protecting our country is the main mission of 507; a mission we do not take lightly. I am excited to be on The Board for The ACU Foundation so that I can continue to support our troops locally.'
Richard "Spike" Klein
Richard 'Spike' Klein is a retired United States Army Special Forces Command Sergeant Major who served with distinction for more than 30 years. His military career included leading and supporting complex operations around the world, with extensive experience working across diverse cultures and environments in more than 30 countries. Following his military service, Spike has remained deeply committed to serving others through community-focused leadership and advocacy. He currently leads a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans, first responders, and their families by helping connect individuals to resources and services that promote resilience, well-being, and long-term stability. His work reflects a strong passion for strengthening support systems and fostering collaboration among organizations that serve those who have given so much to their communities. In addition to his nonprofit leadership, Spike volunteers his time with the Thurston County Coroner's Office, assisting with investigative and operational responsibilities that support the office's critical public service mission. He also contributes to efforts focused on advancing wellness initiatives for professionals in high-stress fields. Spike brings a steady, mission-driven perspective to the ACU Foundation Board, grounded in service, leadership, and a commitment to improving lives. Outside of his professional and volunteer work, he loves to swim, boat, and ride Sea-Doos. You will find him in, on or under the waters throughout South Puget Sound.
Ways to Support the Foundation
Every contribution strengthens the community that raised us. Here is how you can help.
Donate Online
Make a secure, tax-deductible donation through PayPal. Every dollar stays local and supports military families and South Sound organizations.
Donate Now →Mail a Check
Send your donation by mail to:
ACU Foundation
PO Box 5060
Dupont, WA 98327
Play in the Turkey Shoot
Throughout the past 25 years, the Turkey Shoot Golf Tournament has raised just under a million dollars for Joint Base Lewis-McChord charities, such as Santa's Castle and the Holiday Assistance Program.
Learn More →Volunteer
Foundation volunteers contribute hundreds of hours each year. Contact us to learn about volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
Spread the Word
Tell friends, family, and colleagues about the ACU Foundation. Awareness drives participation, sponsorships, and community support.
Tax-Deductible
The ACU Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Tax ID: 37-1918275. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
“None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors, the commitment of our board, and the dedication of ACU team members who believe deeply in serving others. Thank you for helping turn compassion into action and impact into lasting change.”
ACU Foundation FAQ
Answers to the questions people ask most about the ACU Foundation and how to get involved.
Disclosures
The ACU Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, Tax ID 37-1918275. Donations may be tax-deductible; consult your tax advisor. America's Credit Union is a federally chartered, not-for-profit credit union insured by the NCUA up to $250,000 per ownership category. Membership required for products and services. NMLS #449181. Equal Housing Lender.
Help ACU Strengthen the Community That Raised It
Support military families and South Sound neighbors through the ACU Foundation. Every donation and every volunteer hour stays local.