For raising more than $2.9 million and putting in 1,200 volunteer hours to help local nonprofit groups, Columbia Credit Union was recently recognized for its 2011 efforts.

The $794 million credit union in Vancouver, Wash., was awarded the 2011 Nonprofit Excellence Award for Corporate Community Support by the Nonprofit Network of Southwest Washington.

“We were impressed with Columbia Credit Union's significant reach across the community, touching many organizations with a commitment of time and financial resources,” said Jeanne Kojis, executive director of the NNSW.

Laurie Kusch, vice president of corporate social responsibility at Columbia, said the credit union philanthropy serves a wide span of needs including health, the hungry, education, business and animal welfare.

“In 2011, we strengthened our commitment with increased financial contributions and staff volunteering,” Kusch said.

In addition to community support, Columbia said financial education comprises a large portion of it commitment including free workshops on several topics and offering Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University, which teaches people how to get out of debt and build wealth.