DES MOINES, IOWA - Entering a new year of service, the Iowa Credit Union Foundation (ICUF) is building on three decades of advancing financial well-being across the state. Celebrating its 30th year in 2025, ICUF invested more than $375,000 in mission aligned initiatives throughout the state.
In 2025, ICUF:
- Granted $50,000 to six community organizations through its Financial Inclusion Grant program, supporting efforts to address economic disparities and advance financial inclusion across Iowa.
- Hosted the ‘People Helping People’ Financial Coach Program, educating credit union employees on how to help members navigate difficult financial situations and address their financial needs. More than 300 coaches from 42 Iowa credit unions have graduated from the program since its inception in 2019.
- Invested $12,000 in the University of Northern Iowa’s Financial Skills for Smart Living program, enabling educators to deliver a personal finance curriculum that empowers students to make informed financial decisions. Since ICUF began funding this initiative in 2019, more than 24,000 Iowa high school students have taken the course.
- Awarded $46,000 to 24 student members of Iowa credit unions pursuing higher education through the Warren A. Morrow Memorial Scholarship program.
“While our 30th anniversary gave us an opportunity to reflect on how far we've come, this year is about looking forward to the future," said ICUF Executive Director Ena Babic Barnes. “The ongoing support of Iowa’s credit unions and trust in our work allows us to invest in members statewide and continue our philanthropic mission.”