At Cheddar Up, we’re not just about simplifying payments and collections — we’re about empowering those who make a difference in their communities. That’s where our Cheddar Up Changemakers program steps in. This initiative is our way of recognizing and supporting those who tirelessly work to create positive change.
Every quarter, we call for entries from individuals and organizations who are making a real impact. From supporting local arts to improving educational programs, our Changemakers are the beating heart of their communities.

Latest Winners

Ann Richards School Archery Booster Club
The Ann Richards School Archery Booster Club is breaking barriers by introducing archery to young women at the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders. At a critical age when many girls step away from sports, they’ve created an inclusive and empowering environment for students to thrive. With 92 participants in their first year—20% of all NASP archers in the Austin area—they’re fostering focus, self-confidence, and resilience through this unique sport.

Pease Communication and Technology Academy PTA
Pease Communication and Technology Academy PTA is transforming lives through their unwavering commitment to advocacy and support for their diverse community in Midland, TX. Representing a Title 1 elementary school where 75% of students face economic hardship, they’ve launched the Tiger Care Closet—a game-changing initiative providing essential items like school supplies, hygiene products, clothing, and food. By tackling barriers to learning, this program helps students focus on their education while easing the burdens faced by their families.

Oakland Mills High School Fine Arts Boosters
Oakland Mills High School Fine Arts Boosters are champions for the performing arts in one of Howard County’s most under-resourced schools. Despite the challenges of an aging auditorium and a student population where nearly half receive meal assistance, they work tirelessly to fund everything from transportation to copyright payments, ensuring the arts thrive. Their efforts don’t just stay local—they also support their school by helping with an annual December production supporting the WBAL Radio Kids’ Campaign, which aids disadvantaged youth in Baltimore.
History and Past Changemakers
Giving Tuesday: The Inaugural Cheddar Up Changemakers Contest
With Giving Tuesday 2023, we were overwhelmed by the incredible stories of dedication and service from our entrants. Selecting winners was no small task, but we are excited to announce and celebrate three outstanding initiatives that truly embody the spirit of change and community service.
Past Changemakers
Serving 74 campuses, Frisco Threads Student Clothes Closet provides students in need with gently used clothing, new athletic shoes, undergarments, and socks – essentials that foster both comfort and confidence.
Their mission extends beyond training young and adult dancers; they nurture their participants’ abilities and encourage them to use their art to contribute positively to the community.
Dedicated to offering free and equitable access to sports for all elementary students, their work is pivotal in shaping the physical and character development of young athletes.
This dedicated PTA is on a mission to ensure every child at their school starts their day right - with a full belly. They're all about making sure students have access to breakfast and lunch, removing barriers to learning and ensuring no child feels left out due to meal issues.
As a champion of inclusivity in sports, the DABC is partnering with the Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association to make sports accessible to all kids and ensure no one sits on the sidelines. Their efforts are breaking down barriers in their community where everyone can join in the fun and learn the importance of adaptive sports.
At the Auburn Village school, community engagement and student enrichment is taken to the next level with their summer camp initiative. By working hand-in-hand with the school district, they've created a program that not only supports teachers during the summer months, but also brings educational and creative fun to families.
The Junior Auxiliary of Tangipahoa fundraise through events like Flamingo Bingo to support service projects. One key initiative is “Lynding A Hand,” which collaborates with Lynnhaven Retreat Center to aid women and children recovering from homelessness, addiction, human trafficking, abuse, or mental illness.
Aqua Angels provides free or low-cost swim lessons to adults in Greenville County, South Carolina focusing on underserved and historically marginalized communities. By equipping participants with necessary tools and knowledge, Aqua Angels helps build water competency, reduce drowning incidents, and promote physical fitness and mental well-being.
The Allied Foundation works to end diaper need for struggling families. Diaper need affects 1 in 2 U.S. families, with low-income parents often resorting to unsafe practices which can lead to health issues. Since 2019, the foundation has distributed 3.25 million diapers free of charge, helping families keep their babies clean and healthy.
Elkins Pointe Middle School PTSA has been a driving force in bringing STEM activities to all students, despite the financial challenges many families face. They are working to make a lasting impact by providing hands-on STEM education to their 11-13-year-old students, helping shape the future of their community.
Game. Set. Hope. is dedicated to raising mental health awareness and supporting those affected by mental illness. They aim to raise funds for the NAMI Foundation, which provides educational programs, resources for individuals and families, and supports research on mental health treatment and prevention. This initiative brings the community together for a powerful cause, helping to reduce the stigma around depression and suicide while reminding everyone that help is always available.
LJM PTO is raising funds for a new inclusive playground through their Red Lion spirit blanket sales. The playground will feature a wheelchair-accessible ramp, sensory boards, an American Sign Language board, an inclusive spinner, and poured-in-place rubber surfacing. With students who use wheelchairs and those in Autism, life skills, and deaf/hard of hearing classes, this playground will ensure every child can play and learn together.
Join the Movement: Enter the Next Cheddar Up Changemakers Contest
Inspired by these stories? You too can be a part of this movement! Our Cheddar Up Changemakers contest is a quarterly event, and we’re always on the lookout for individuals and organizations making a difference. Whether you’re nurturing young minds, supporting the arts, or leading a community initiative, we want to hear from you. Come back next quarter and submit your entry.
At Cheddar Up, we believe that every effort to improve the community is a step towards a better world. The Changemakers program is our way of acknowledging and supporting these efforts. Congratulations once again to all of our Changemakers- you are the change agents who inspire us all.
Stay tuned for more stories of change and the next group of winners. Together, let’s make a difference, one community at a time.
Ready to start?
Are you ready to join the Cheddar Up movement and make waves in your community?