Iowa Credit Union Foundation invests over $155K support financial well-being

The Iowa Credit Union Foundation (ICUF), the philanthropic arm of the Iowa Credit Union League, invested more than $155,000 in mission-aligned initiatives in 2022 to help champion financial well-being for all. 

ICUF strengthened its impact through expanded programming and continued support for credit union members and state-wide community organizations throughout 2022. 

Highlights of ICUF’s impact include:

• ICUF hosted its fourth annual ‘People Helping People’ Financial Coach Program, training credit union employees to help members navigate difficult financial situations and address financial inclusion needs. More than 150 coaches from 37 Iowa credit unions have graduated from the program since its inception in 2019.
• ICUF invested more than $54,000 in direct assistance to Iowa credit union members in need through its asset building programs and Warren A. Morrow Memorial Scholarship in 2022.
• For the third year in a row, ICUF invested in the University of Northern Iowa’s Financial Skills for Smart Living Program, which provides educators with personal finance curriculum empowering students with the skills to make informed financial decisions. More than 10,000 students have already taken the course in high schools across Iowa.

Serving as the hub for Iowa credit union philanthropy, ICUF continues to address the needs of Iowans through investments, collaboration, education and advocacy. 51 credit unions across the state supported ICUF with a record-breaking charitable donation of $133,250.

 Additionally, ICUF received $67,500 in year-end gifts from Affiliates Management Company (AMC), holding company of the Iowa Credit Union League and its affiliates, including Coopera, First Community Trust, N.A., ViClarity and PolicyWorks to jumpstart its 2023 work. Collectively, this adds up to $200,750 in year-end donations.

“The Iowa Credit Union Foundation appreciates the continued support from Iowa credit unions, AMC and its family of companies as we start our work for 2023 and carry out our mission,” said Ena Babic Barnes, ICUF executive director. “As ICUF continues growing its impact, donations like this allow us to invest more into grants, programs and initiatives that support financial inclusion and well-being for all in Iowa.”

To start the new year, ICUF announced changes within their Executive Committee. Marian Holmes, VP of consumer lending & governmental affairs at Community 1st Credit Union, was elected as Board Chair for the 2023 term. Ann McMillian, ICUF’s outgoing Board Chair, will serve on the board for the remainder of her third year.

“I want to thank the entire board for their dedication to ICUF’s mission of championing financial well-being for all,” said Holmes, ICUF’s incoming board chair. “Our board will continue to raise the threshold for fundraising to ensure our dollars will go toward developing innovative solutions that support our ‘People Helping People’ philosophy. I am looking forward to a meaningful 2023.”

ICUF also welcomed Kim Fettkether, vice president of strategic development & advocacy officer at Veridian Credit Union, to its Board of Directors at its annual meeting last month. Fettkether will serve a three-year term.

“I am honored to join the Iowa Credit Union Foundation board and be a part of an organization that aligns so closely with both my professional and personal life,” said Fettkether. “I look forward to working alongside fellow board members to provide strategic guidance and help strengthen ICUF’s commitment to improve the financial well-being of Iowans.”