CUs in the News

Dakota credit unions invest in their communities - supporting students through scholarships and strengthening local nonprofits through impactful funding partnerships.

Dakotaland Federal Credit Union Awards Scholarships
Dakotaland Federal Credit Union has awarded $10,000 in college scholarships to 10 area students for the 2026–27 academic year.
 
More than 100 applications were reviewed by a 15-member committee representing Dakotaland’s ten branch communities.
 
Each recipient was awarded a $1,000 scholarship to support their continued education:

• Kyla Peskey, Iroquois, SD – Huron High School; attending South Dakota State University (Health Science)
• Noah Felderman, Doland, SD – Doland High School; attending Lake Area Technical College (Law Enforcement)
• Ireland Hennrich, Huron, SD – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Aerospace Engineering)
• Natalie Cundy, Iroquois, SD – Iroquois High School; attending Lake Area Technical College (Physical Therapy)
• Hailey Rogers, Alpena, SD – Huron High School; attending Northern State University (Elementary Education)
• Hope Baysinger, Woonsocket, SD – Mitchell High School; attending South Dakota State University (Animal Science)
• Addyson Baruth, Alpena, SD – Woonsocket High School; attending Northern State University (Psychology)
• Kiana Schmit, Elkton, SD – Deubrook Area High School; attending South Dakota State University (Human Biology)
• Cheyenne Vander Wal, Bruce, SD – Sioux Valley High School; attending South Dakota State University (Nursing)
• Emily Gades, Ethan, SD – Ethan High School; attending Lake Area Technical College (Law Enforcement and Conservation)

 
“For several decades, the credit union has supported our area youth with scholarships, giving them the freedom to achieve their aspirations and become great citizens,” said President Ryan Goehner. “Of all the ways Dakotaland gives back to our membership, I feel this is one of the most important.”

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Black Hills Federal Credit Union Expands Community Impact Through Matching Grant Program
Black Hills Federal Credit Union (BHFCU) is deepening its commitment to the communities it serves through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB) $3:$1 Member Impact Fund, securing a total of $350,000 in support of four South Dakota nonprofits.
 
Through a $25,000 contribution from BHFCU and a $62,500 FHLB match, each organization received $87,500. Recipients include Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity, Black Hills Soccer Federation, Abbott House, and the Veterans Community Project of Sioux Falls.
 
The funding supports a range of initiatives, from affordable housing and youth development to behavioral health services and veteran support. Habitat for Humanity will apply funds toward its East Creek Village development in Rapid City, a 40-unit mixed-income housing project. The Black Hills Soccer Federation will use funding for facility upgrades to expand access and increase tournament opportunities.
 
Abbott House continues to provide critical services for youth and families across South Dakota through programs including foster care, residential treatment, and independent living support. Meanwhile, the Veterans Community Project in Sioux Falls is building a village of 25 tiny homes paired with comprehensive services to support veterans transitioning to stable housing.
 
BHFCU leaders emphasized the meaningful, long-term impact these organizations bring to their communities and expressed appreciation for FHLB’s partnership in amplifying local support.

Dakotaland Federal Credit Union has locations in Huron, Volga, Brookings, Madison, Redfield, Aberdeen, De Smet, Mitchell, Watertown, and Woonsocket. With over 45,000 members and $730 million in assets, Dakotaland continues to be locally owned and operated offering a full line of financial services to its membership since 1935.

Established in Rapid City in 1941, Black Hills Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative serving more than 115,000 members. The community-chartered credit union has 18 locations in South Dakota and two in Montana. For more information, visit bhfcu.com.