Amplify Credit Union announced on Apr. 8 that its employees logged a record 2,588 volunteer hours in 2025 through the organization’s Community Care Hours program. This marks the third year of increased employee participation in philanthropy, with involvement rising by 20% over the past two years.
The growth of this program reflects Amplify’s focus on community engagement and its commitment to supporting nonprofit organizations and public charities across Central Texas and beyond. The initiative allows full-time employees to use up to 40 paid hours per year for volunteering, while part-time staff receive up to 20 hours.
Angela Shaw, senior vice president of talent at Amplify, said, “There is no separation between how we serve our members and how we show up in our communities. Volunteerism is part of our culture, not an add-on. When employees are given the time and flexibility to support causes they care about, it strengthens their connection to each other, to our members and to the mission of the credit union. That sense of purpose carries into the work we do every day.”
Research cited by Amplify indicates that volunteering can improve physical health for three out of four adults in the United States and boost mood for more than nine out of ten participants. The credit union also noted that companies offering volunteer time off may see reduced turnover rates and higher productivity among staff members. Employees who contribute at least 40 volunteer hours annually or serve on nonprofit boards are recognized as Community Ambassadors; last year, Amplify honored 24 such individuals.
Shaw added, “Community Care Hours reflect how we think about the role of work in people’s lives. When employees have the opportunity to serve their communities, they feel more connected to the organization and to each other. That connection strengthens our culture, supports long-term growth and helps us stay true to the cooperative values we were founded on. Service is not separate from our business, it is part of how we operate every day.”
Amplify employees volunteered with organizations such as Caritas of Austin, Keep Austin Fed, Pioneer Farms, We Are Blood, Wonders & Worries, Saint Louise House and Girls Empowerment Network.
In response to continued interest in volunteering among staff members for this year (2026), Amplify plans a shift from an hour-based benchmark toward an engagement-based goal—encouraging every employee to participate by volunteering at least one hour.
The Austin Chamber of Commerce promotes inclusive growth throughout local neighborhoods according to its official website. It aims to enhance regional economic development through collaboration and advocacy according to its official website. Board leadership directs initiatives within the chamber according to its official website, which covers economic efforts across Austin according to its official website. The chamber also builds partnerships for both community advancement and business progress according to its official website while providing events programs and advocacy designed for business growth according to its official website.
