Norstar FCU Supports Britton Ball

This credit union utilized the NetGiver app for community involvement and awarded $1,000 to their local baseball and softball program. 

In a demonstration of community support, Norstar Federal Credit Union recently gained some attention with a unique initiative aimed at supporting local nonprofits. The initiative invited members and the broader community to nominate their favorite nonprofit organizations, offering to donate $1,000 to the winning entry.

The giveaway was aimed at bolstering registered 501(c)3 organizations within Marshall, Day, Brown, and Roberts counties. Spanning just over two weeks, the giveaway was made possible through a strategic partnership with NetGiver, a revolutionary app designed to facilitate seamless donation processes.
 
Nonprofits play a crucial role in addressing community needs, relying heavily on donations to fund essential programs. However, the burden of processing and platform fees, which siphon off a staggering $18 billion nationally from donations on an annual basis, poses a significant challenge. Recognizing this, Norstar and NetGiver have joined forces to ensure that 100% of donations reach their intended destinations without any deductions. The NetGiver app stands out as a powerful tool in the philanthropic landscape, ensuring that neither donors nor charities incur any fees, thus maximizing the impact of each donation.
 
The response to the giveaway was overwhelming, with nearly 150 submissions received and 34 different nonprofits garnering votes. Notably, Britton Baseball and Softball emerged as the winner, securing 30% of the votes and the $1,000 prize. Over the past few years, the Britton ball program has seen around 180 kids participate.

Youths participants from the Britton Baseball and Softball Program are pictured with Norstar FCU's CEO Jay Kruse.

​“The baseball and softball program is so pleased to receive this contribution from Norstar Federal Credit Union,” said Baseball Softball President Kelsi Heer. “Last summer we updated dugouts and installed drain tile. Future hopes are to get new lighting, rotate the south field, update more dugouts, install walking paths and playground equipment and more. All these items come with hefty price tags. The community support has been overwhelmingly wonderful. This city park is used by thousands of people each summer. It's nice to have community support to make this park usable and accessible for years to come.”
 
This award highlights the community's active engagement and support for local causes. Norstar's approach, reflective of its mission-driven philosophy as a not-for-profit and member-owned credit union, is about more than just financial transactions; it's about fostering a sense of community and collective well-being.
 
Looking ahead, Norstar and NetGiver are planning a "townhall" meeting to bring together local nonprofits. This event will serve as a platform for organizations to learn about the NetGiver platform, network with one another, and explore innovative fundraising strategies to support vital community services. Keep an eye out for more details.
 
Through initiatives like these, Norstar Federal Credit Union hopes to prove that with the right partnerships and innovative solutions, it's possible to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.
 
*Story first appeared in Marshall County Journal.