DakCU Foundation Update

​The DakCU Foundation has established key priorities to guide its work and strengthen communities across the Dakotas.

By Annie Elhard, DakCU Foundation Executive Director

The Dakota Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation) proudly serves as the charitable arm of the Dakota credit union movement, and that responsibility guides everything it does.

Credit unions are built on the philosophy of people helping people. As financial cooperatives, they exist to serve members, not shareholders  and that service extends far beyond the walls of their institutions. Across North and South Dakota, credit union professionals show up for their communities every day, not because they’re required to, but because it reflects who they are.

The Foundation exists to amplify that impact.

Its mission is both simple and powerful: to enhance and advance the communities served through cooperative financial support. The Foundation fulfills this mission by awarding community impact grants, scholarships, and professional development awards to projects and individuals working to strengthen financial well-being throughout credit union communities. Through these scholarships and grants, the Foundation helps remove financial barriers, invest in future leaders, and support meaningful local initiatives that create lasting change.

Recently, the Foundation Board gathered for a strategic planning session to reflect on its purpose and chart a clear path forward. The conversation was thoughtful, collaborative, and energizing, resulting in a renewed commitment to three core priorities that will guide its work over the next two years:

Financial Education & Literacy
Financial well-being begins with knowledge. The Foundation will deepen its focus on initiatives that expand access to financial education and equip individuals with practical tools to build stability, confidence, and long-term success.

Community Impact
Through targeted grants and cooperative partnerships, the Foundation will continue investing in projects that directly benefit Dakota credit union members and the communities they call home. While every request receives careful consideration, priority will be placed on initiatives that demonstrate measurable impact and meaningful outcomes.

Professional Development & Growth
Foundation awards are also an investment in people. Funding may support professional education, certifications, training, tools, or technology that empower individuals to grow in their careers and strengthen the credit union movement. Investing in leadership and development ultimately strengthens the future of the communities served.

Coming Soon: Foundation Calendar Raffle
The Foundation is also excited to announce its upcoming Calendar Raffle, which will run March 30 through May 15, with drawings taking place throughout June. This fundraiser directly supports the work outlined above  from scholarships and financial education initiatives to community grants and professional development awards. Ticket information and additional details will be shared soon.

The Foundation looks forward to this next chapter and remains grateful for the opportunity to serve the Dakota credit union movement with purpose and heart.
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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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