ICUF's Financial Inclusion Grant Program directs funding to organizations across Iowa that are enhancing financial inclusion and improving financial well-being for minority populations in Iowa.

Last year, $50,000 was dispersed between eight organizations through the program. In order for organizations to apply for grants, they must first be nominated by an Iowa credit union. Click here to learn how you can make a nomination to help your community! 

The 2025 ICUF 'People Helping People' Financial Coach Training Program concluded this week, with 50 credit union professionals from 23 Iowa credit unions graduating. These graduates are now equipped with the knowledge, skills, and empathy needed to make a meaningful difference in the financial lives of credit union members across the state.

These financial coaches deserve recognition for their commitment to learning and their passion for helping others. Their impact is expected to reach far beyond the walls of their organizations, changing lives and contributing to stronger, more resilient communities.

• Angie Stewart, 1st Gateway Credit Union
• Carissa Hubbard, 1st Gateway Credit Union
• Zach Welsher, 1st Gateway Credit Union
• Kaylyn Burton, Advantage Credit Union
• Brooke Smith, Ascentra Credit Union
• Donita Meyer, Ascentra Credit Union
• Roxanne Fish, Ascentra Credit Union
• Diane Warren, Capitol View Credit Union
• Linda Barnabo, Capitol View Credit Union
• Heather Gerdes, Casebine Credit Union
• Eshley Johnson, Casebine Credit Union
• Dakota Sands, Cedar Falls Community Credit Union
• Rachel McCullough, Cedar Falls Community Credit Union
• Amila Hamzic, CENT Credit Union
• Angie Weiland, Citizens Credit Union
• Diane Martens, Citizens Credit Union
• Ruth France, Citizens Credit Union
• Brooke Mason, Community 1st Credit Union
• Erin Gay, Community 1st Credit Union
• Jennifer See, Community 1st Credit Union
• Julie Waters, Community 1st Credit Union
• Chase Bauer, Corda Credit Union
• Michael Sauerbry, Corda Credit Union
• Naomi Gaede, Corda Credit Union
• Nicole Thies, Corda Credit Union
• Jeniffer Vasquez, Des Moines Metro Credit Union
• Maddie Knapp, Dupaco Community Credit Union

• Aspen Kinmonth, Financial Plus Credit Union
• Kaylynn Dresch, Financial Plus Credit Union
• Sarvia Rivera, Financial Plus Credit Union
• Cynthia Gallardo, Greater Iowa Credit Union
• Lois Logan, Greater Iowa Credit Union
• William Holcomb, Greater Iowa Credit Union
• Dominique Vondran, Greenstate Credit Union
• Jill Bell, Iowa Heartland Credit Union
• Alisha Penman, Journey Credit Union
• Kaitlyn Collison, Midland Credit Union
• Kara Anderson, Midland Credit Union
• Lupe Montenegro, Midland Credit Union
• Andrea Phipps, North Star Community Credit Union
• Anthony Sanchez, North Star Community Credit Union
• Kimberly Chansler, Peoples Credit Union
• Jennifer Santangelo-Warren, Premier Credit Union
• Tim Pabich, River Valley Credit Union
• John Parks, Sioux Valley Community Credit Union
• Maria Suarez, Sioux Valley Community Credit Union
• Ana Hernandez, Veridian Credit Union
• Angela Weekly, Veridian Credit Union
• Dora Sedeno, Veridian Credit Union
• Terry Sanders, Veridian Credit Union

Thank you to TruStage, the 2025 program sponsor.

Don’t miss the 2025 ICUF Benefit Night Fundraiser on September 18 in Dubuque, held during the annual Iowa Credit Union Convention!

This inspiring evening offers a unique opportunity to support meaningful community initiatives while enjoying impact programming, a delicious dinner, live music and dancing. Join credit union leaders and advocates from across the state for a night that celebrates the spirit of "people helping people"—all while raising critical funds to support ICUF's work. Registration is now open—be part of the impact!

Benefit Night would not be possible without the generous donations of ICUF supporters. Please consider becoming an event sponsor or donating a package to the auction. Both are great ways to engage in the event and support the good cause! Reach out to the ICUF Team with any questions.

Affiliates Management Company (AMC), the holding company of the Iowa Credit Union League, recently held its annual Friend of the Foundation campaign benefitting ICUF.

Through online donations and paycheck pledges, AMC Family of Companies employees raised more than $15,000 to support ICUF's mission. Thank you to the employees of AMC for supporting ICUF's work!

Are you interested in bringing the Friend of the Foundation campaign to your workplace to support ICUF? Email the ICUF Team to get started.

Do you have a credit union peer who exemplifies the "people helping people" philosophy in your community? Nominate them for an ICUF Community Impact Award! ICUF is looking to recognize people who are both loud and proud about community wellness, as well as those working behind the scenes to create impact.

The ICUF Community Impact Award was created in 2015 to recognize individuals within the Iowa credit union movement who have demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility through volunteerism, advocacy or philanthropy in service toward community-based charitable causes.

Nominations will close June 30. Pictured are 2024 ICUF Community Impact Award Winners Jennifer Crimmins and Ryne George with ICUF Executive Director Ena Babic Barnes.

Thank you to our recent donors, who made contributions to support ICUF's mission-based initiatives. Every gift makes a difference!

• Adam Claypool
• Alicia D'Hont
• Allison Pleasant
• Amy Miller
• Ashley Conover
• Ashley Vanderheiden
• Brittany Freeman
• Caitlyn Frohmader
• Carrie Helmle
• Chelsi Harbert
• Connie Begnoche
• Corey Cook
• Courtney Williams
• Dave Cale
• Elizabeth Hodgson
• Emily Caropreso

• Ena Babic Barnes
• Grace McKenna
• Gwen Peters
• Jaimie Miller 
• Jim Liddle
• Jennifer Esperanza
• Jessica Maldonado
• Jessica Mellema
• Jill Kronfeldt
• Jodi Allen
• John Gonner
• Joni Welling
• Justin Hupfer
• Katie Ferrell
• Keisha Knepper
• Kolby McAninch

• Kristin Aulwes
• Kristin Evans
• Kris Riley
• Lisa Grefe
• Makala Kafer
• Matthew De Bisschop
• Matt Oakley
• Matt Pillard
• McKinley Fisk
• Megan Hurd
• Michele Driver
• Michelle Barker
• Murray Williams
• Samantha Johanson
• Sarah Reicks
• Víctor Miguel Corro