LIVERMORE, Calif. (November 8, 2017)—UNCLE Credit Union, a full-service financial cooperative serving four Northern California counties, is one of the first organizations to support the new Livermore Lab Foundation (LLF) with an initial donation of $5,000. Launched in October 2017, the Foundation is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and creating transformative technologies to enhance human health, safety and quality of life.

An independent nonprofit organization, LLF accepts philanthropic funds from the community for scientific research and technology development at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. In addition, the Foundation helps fund external activities and programs consistent with the Lab’s mission and values, including STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) educational opportunities.

“The Lab itself has a proud history of community engagement through service and charitable giving – from the HOME Campaign and annual grant program to hands-on science experiences for young people and training for teachers in cutting-edge areas of applied science,” said Livermore Lab Foundation President Dona Crawford. “The Foundation enables us to leverage the contributions of individuals and organizations such as UNCLE Credit Union that are passionate about investing in science and technology in order to solve major human challenges.”

Chung Bothwell, UNCLE Credit Union Board Chairman, continued, “UNCLE was founded by four employees of the Lab, and we share a culture that places a high value on efforts to strengthen the larger community. We also recognize the vital role that science and technology can play in building a better world for future generations. Our donation to the Livermore Lab Foundation aligns well with this vision.”

UNCLE Credit Union President and CEO Harold Roundtree added, “We’ve partnered with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory on initiatives such as their successful HOME Campaign for years, and know firsthand the positive impact of their works. The Foundation will provide even greater opportunities for promoting scientific advancement and STEM education to improve human lives and open doors for our young people.”

The Livermore Lab Foundation can accept donations from any member of the public, including individuals, businesses, colleges and universities and other charitable nonprofits. Donations may be designated for student projects, to further advances in specific technical areas or may be categorized as “unrestricted” for use at the discretion of the Livermore Lab Foundation Board of Directors.

The first project to receive support from the Foundation was a “Girls Who Code (GWC)” workshop held on October 10, 2017 at the Edward Teller Education Center. Through LLNL’s Student Program, Lab employees mentor boys and girls in the GWC program at Livermore high schools and middle schools. The high school GWC participants spent October 10 at the Lab writing code to design a device that was then 3-D printed, in addition to meeting with scientists and touring Laboratory facilities.

Other potential Foundation projects range from the development of breakthrough implantable neural devices for treating neuropsychiatric illnesses to the creation of affordable, energy-efficient water purification systems that can be used in locations lacking access to large water treatment facilities.

To learn more about the Livermore Lab Foundation, visit www.livermorelabfoundation.org.

About UNCLE Credit Union
Established in 1957, UNCLE Credit Union is an over $381 million, full-service financial institution that proudly serves more than 23,000 members. With financial centers in Pleasanton, Tracy, and three locations in Livermore, the organization offers the benefits of credit union membership and a full array of financial services to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties. UNCLE Credit Union is renowned for its community involvement, professional and personalized service, and unwavering commitment to helping members achieve their financial goals. To learn more, visit www.unclecu.org.