The First West Foundation was established in 1996 by the Board of Directors and Management of First West Credit Union (previously Delta Credit Union, then Envision Credit Union). With an initial donation of $200,000, the intent was to establish and grow a valuable local resource in perpetuity.

The Foundation was created on the vision of helping create vibrant and healthy communities. By working in partnership with local organizations, the Foundation seeks to actively contribute to meaningful projects that make a positive and lasting impact upon community life.

To achieve this vision, First West Credit Union continues to support the Foundation with administrative funding as well as annual donations to the Envision Financial Community Endowment fund and Valley First Community Endowment fund. Interest earnings from the Foundation's endowments are donated annually as grants. Donations from the community are also encouraged to build the endowment funds of the Foundation.

The First West Foundation previously operated under the name of Envision Credit Union Charitable Foundation. On January 1, 2010, Envision Credit Union merged with Valley First Credit Union to form First West Credit Union; therefore, the Foundation followed suit and changed its name.