Community Choice Credit Union is directing $20,000 in charitable donations to four Iowa-based nonprofit organizations, a disbursement made possible through its annual Employee Giving Campaign. Each organization – Iowa Safe Schools, The Beacon’s Rooms to Thrive Campaign, Everybody Wins! Iowa, and the Iowa Center for Children’s Justice – will receive $5,000, according to a company statement released on .
The donations represent a direct investment in community support, chosen by the credit union’s employees. Angie Richards, chief marketing officer and chair of the foundation board at Community Choice, emphasized the credit union’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life within the communities it serves. “Our Foundation allows us to enhance the quality of life of the individuals and families in the areas we serve by committing our time and investment toward local non-profits who impact those communities directly,” Richards said.
The selection of these four organizations highlights a focus on vulnerable populations within Iowa. Iowa Safe Schools advocates for safe and inclusive learning environments for all students. The Beacon’s Rooms to Thrive Campaign provides support and resources for families experiencing hardship. Everybody Wins! Iowa focuses on literacy and mentoring programs for children, and the Iowa Center for Children’s Justice works to protect children from abuse and neglect.
This philanthropic effort by Community Choice Credit Union aligns with a broader trend of financial institutions increasingly emphasizing corporate social responsibility. While traditionally focused on financial performance, credit unions and banks are now frequently evaluated on their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Community involvement, such as direct charitable giving, is a key component of a strong ESG profile.
The $20,000 donation is sourced from the Community Choice Credit Union Foundation, indicating a dedicated fund specifically earmarked for philanthropic activities. This structure allows the credit union to consistently support local initiatives without directly impacting its core financial operations. The Employee Giving Campaign, through which the nonprofits were selected, further demonstrates a commitment to employee engagement in charitable decision-making.
The impact of a $5,000 donation can be significant for smaller, community-focused nonprofits. For organizations like Everybody Wins! Iowa, which relies on volunteers and donations to deliver literacy programs, the funds could support the purchase of books, training materials for mentors, or expansion of program reach. Similarly, for The Beacon’s Rooms to Thrive Campaign, the donation could contribute to providing emergency shelter or support services for families in crisis.
Community Choice Credit Union’s commitment to the “UNbankForGood” initiative, as highlighted on its Facebook page, suggests a broader philosophy of supporting organizations that are actively working to address social and economic challenges. The initiative appears to encourage a shift away from traditional banking practices towards a more community-focused and socially responsible approach.
The credit union’s recent activity also includes promoting its mortgage services, specifically pre-approvals, indicating a simultaneous focus on both community support and core business objectives. This dual approach – investing in the community while also driving business growth – is a common strategy for financial institutions seeking to build brand loyalty and attract customers.
The Business Record reported on that this donation is part of a larger pattern of corporate giving in the Des Moines area. Lead DSM also recently opened nominations for its Leadership Institute class of 2027, and the Cultivation Corridor launched a professional development program for the food and agriculture industry, demonstrating a vibrant ecosystem of community investment and leadership development in Iowa.
The donation from Community Choice Credit Union underscores the growing importance of corporate philanthropy in Iowa and reflects a broader trend of financial institutions recognizing their role as active participants in the communities they serve. The employee-driven selection process further emphasizes the credit union’s commitment to aligning its charitable giving with the values and priorities of its workforce.
