Iowa Credit Union Foundation Raises More than $101,000 for Mission-Driven Programs and Resources at Annual Fundraiser

POSTED on October 2, 2024 IN ICUL

“We are so grateful for the support of our credit union movement, partners and ICUF community. The funds raised will increase the financial well-being of Iowans across our state,” said Ena Babic Barnes, Executive Director of ICUF.

DES MOINES - Now in its 29th year, the Iowa Credit Union Foundation (ICUF) remains the hub for credit union philanthropy in Iowa. During the recent Iowa Credit Union Convention, ICUF hosted its annual Benefit Night Fundraiser and raised more than $101,000 to support the mission of advancing financial well-being for all Iowans.

This year’s event drew nearly 300 attendees from both the credit union sector and the broader business community.

“We are so grateful for the support of our credit union movement, partners and ICUF community. The funds raised will increase the financial well-being of Iowans across our state,” said Ena Babic Barnes, Executive Director of ICUF. “This support will strengthen our efforts for new programming, grants and research to break down barriers to financial inclusion and help Iowans in need.”

During the event, Babic Barnes, along with Marian Holmes, ICUF Board Chair and Jordan Hensley, ICUF Vice Chair, highlighted the Foundation’s achievements over the past year and honored the recipients of the 2024 ICUF Community Impact Award. This award recognizes individuals and organizations within the Iowa credit union movement who have shown exceptional civic and charitable commitment through volunteer work, advocacy and philanthropy in support of community-based causes.

This year’s award recipients were Ryne George, Community Impact Ambassador at Corda Credit Union, and Jennifer (Jen) Crimmins, SVP/Chief Administrative Officer at Citizens Community Credit Union.

“It has been my honor to serve as ICUF chair and have a front-row seat to witness the impact the organization is creating throughout our state,” said Holmes, ICUF Board Chair. “The two award recipients honored at the event live the “people helping people” philosophy of credit unions each day, and they continue to inspire us with their tireless dedication and service.”

The event also showcased ICUF’s achievements and impact over the past year, including:

• The fifth year of ICUF’s People Helping People’ Financial Coach Program was held in 2024. The Program supports credit union employees in becoming member advocates to help members navigate difficult financial situations. More than 250 coaches have graduated from the program since its inception in 2019.
• ICUF doubled its support of credit union members through the Warren A. Morrow Memorial Scholarship program, awarding $46,000 in collegiate and post-secondary education scholarships earlier this year.
• ICUF awarded the first $50,000 of funding as part of a three-year, $150,000 "Financial Inclusion Grant Program" addressing barriers to financial well-being for minority populations in Iowa.

Founded in 1995 as the philanthropic arm of the Iowa Credit Union League (ICUL), ICUF’s mission is guided by the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people’. ICUF works to champion financial well-being for all. For more information, visit www.IowaCreditUnionFoundation.org.