DakCU Foundation Update

Thanks to Dakota credit unions’ support, the Foundation strengthens communities and credit union professionals.

By Annie Elhard, Executive Director of Dakota Credit Union Foundation 

The Dakota Credit Union Foundation (Foundation) continues to strengthen communities and support credit union professionals through scholarships, grants, and community investments. In 2025, the Foundation made a meaningful impact across the Dakotas, and in 2026, we’re ready to do even more—with the support of Dakota credit unions, including the contributions made through membership dues, which directly help fund our mission.
 
2025: A Year of Impact
Thanks to the generous support of Dakota credit unions and successful fundraising through the Foundation Golf Tournament and Cash Stash Sweepstakes, the Foundation awarded over $14,000 in scholarships and grants in 2025. These funds supported professional development, financial education, disaster relief, and community well-being.
 
A major milestone was the Foundation’s $25,000 contribution to the Credit Unions for Kids Micropreemie Unit at Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo. This project brought together 20 North Dakota credit unions to support families facing challenging circumstances. The grand opening in May celebrated the power of credit unions working together to make a difference.
 
Additional scholarships and grants in 2025 supported:

• Credit union professional development programs, including CUDE, iLead@11, HR Compliance and Certification School, and CUNA Management School
• Financial education initiatives through Junior Achievement in South Dakota
• Disaster relief through CUAid in response to the California wildfires

 
Each award reflects the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to investing in people, education, and communities, the very heart of the credit union movement.
 
Looking Ahead to 2026
Education, leadership development, and community impact remain central to the Foundation’s mission. In 2026, the Foundation will continue empowering credit union professionals and making a positive difference in local communities.
 
The Foundation currently offers scholarships and grants that support:

• Professional development and leadership programs for credit union staff
• Financial education initiatives benefiting members and communities
• Community impact projects aligned with the credit union philosophy of people helping people

 
With the support of credit unions giving through membership dues and ongoing fundraising efforts, the Foundation aims to grow the reach and visibility of these programs so more credit union employees and credit unions can access available funding. We hope to award even more scholarships and grants to support professional growth, innovation, and financial well-being.
 
Watch for Scholarship and Grant Announcements
Credit unions are encouraged to watch for 2026 opportunities to apply for funding that supports professional development, financial education, and community initiatives. Together, we can continue building strong credit unions and stronger communities across the Dakotas.
 
About Dakota Credit Union Foundation
The Dakota Credit Foundation is the charitable arm of the Dakota credit union movement. The Foundation’s purpose is to build community awareness of credit unions throughout North and South Dakota by supporting financial well-being for all. The Foundation provides assistance for financial education events and financial literacy classroom programs; scholarships for credit union specific professional development and certification programs and supports our local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. For more information visit dakcu.org/foundation.

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