Announcing Social Impact Awards

​DakCU recognizes credit unions and individuals for contributions that made a significant impact in improving lives.

Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) is pleased to announce this year’s winners of the Social Impact Awards for contributions that have made a significant impact in building stronger communities and improving lives. The recipients were formally recognized during the Annual Meeting & Summit Awards Banquet that was held earlier this month.
 
Credit unions nominated for this award must have consistently demonstrated qualities of compassion and service to either one organization or a variety of volunteer activities.  Congratulations to:
​

Capital CU

​North Dakota State Credit Union Winner:
 
Capital CU, Bismarck, ND. This credit union’s Step Forward Volunteer Program made a powerful impact in 2024, with 96 employees—69% of staff—volunteering over 1,000 hours across 116 community events, a 28% increase from 2023. From food, school supply, and pet drives to financial education sessions, youth programs, and partnerships with local nonprofits, the program embodies the credit union’s core values of vision, integrity, caring, and knowledge. With opportunities for all employees to participate, Step Forward fosters teamwork and community connection while rewarding volunteer efforts with added vacation time and program apparel—creating a culture of giving back and making a difference.

---

Explorers CU

​South Dakota State Credit Union Winner:
 
Explorers CU, Yankton, SD. This credit union made a remarkable impact in 2024, with its 30-member team contributing over 800 volunteer hours to local communities. Notably, Explorers launched South Dakota’s first-ever Bite of Reality financial literacy workshops for high school students, partnering with the Department of Labor and local business leaders to bring real-life budgeting lessons to Bon Homme, Avon, and Menno schools—earning front-page coverage in all three communities. Additionally, they introduced Lemonade Day in Yankton, empowering youth with entrepreneurial skills, and supported community pride through their participation in the Keep Yankton Beautiful cleanup initiative.

---