Whether it's giving back, awarding scholarships, creating community, providing innovative solutions, or fostering financial literacy (and so much more), here's how Wisconsin's credit unions supported their members and communities in January!
Giving Back
Park City Cares Foundation Donates to Northwoods Food Pantries During Holidays
We're in the giving season, and Northwoods food pantries will benefit from donations from Park City Credit Union. Ahead of the Christmas holiday, Park City Cares Foundation divvied up $4,000 to five area food pantries serving Tomahawk, Nokomis, Rhinelander, Lakeland and Merrill. The donations will allow these food pantries to restock their shelves following the holidays and at a time when they've seen a steady increase in use. (Park City Credit Union, 1/1)
CoVantage Cares Foundation raises $502K for nonprofits
The CoVantage Cares Foundation announced in January its 10th annual Giving Tuesday campaign raised $502,900, which will benefit 12 nonprofit organizations serving communities where CoVantage Credit Union operates. (CoVantage Credit Union, 1/5)
Credit unions return $157+ million to members as dividend season peaks
Numerous credit unions have announced extraordinary dividend and rebate programs for the late 2025-early 2026 season. These direct cash returns to members highlight one of the cooperative model's fundamental advantages over shareholder-driven banks. (CoVantage Credit Union, 1/12)
CoVantage Cares just donated $26K to Meals on Wheels of Stevens Point
Meals on Wheels of Stevens Point is among 12 nonprofits receiving funds from the CoVantage Cares Foundation's 10th annual Giving Tuesday campaign, according to a community announcement. Meals on Wheels of Stevens Point received nearly $26,400 through the fundraising campaign. The campaign, which ran from Dec. 2-16, raised $502,900 to benefit organizations in communities where CoVantage Credit Union operates. (CoVantage Credit Union, 1/14)
Capital Credit Union fills funding gaps that leave first responders without basic gear
Municipal budgets often fall short of covering the equipment police, fire, and EMS departments need to protect their communities. Capital Credit Union’s Elevate Communities program has distributed more than $800,000 since 2018 to help rural Wisconsin first responders close those gaps–and applications for 2026 grants are now open. (Capital Credit Union, 1/23)
'Continued belief in our mission.' Fort Community Credit Union donates to BASE
Fort Community Credit Union has announced a a corporate donation of $2,500 to the Badgerland After School Enrichment Program (BASE) in Fort Atkinson. “This year’s donation comes at an especially meaningful time as BASE recently celebrated the opening of its new facility, expanding its ability to serve youth and families in the Fort Atkinson community.” (Fort Community Credit Union, 1/26)
Awarding Scholarships
Capital Credit Union opens 2026 scholarship applications
Capital Credit Union is excited to announce that applications are now being accepted for the Tom Young Educational Scholarship. This year, we will proudly award $2,000 scholarships to 10 outstanding high school seniors who are members of Capital Credit Union and are pursuing higher education in the fall of 2026. (Capital Credit Union, 1/6)
Supporting Financial Literacy
CoVantage launches program to help students build money management skills
CoVantage Credit Union has launched a financial education program designed to help high school students build practical money management skills, CoVantage announced this week. The new offering, Financial Strategy Simulation, is part of the Quest: A Credit Union Experience series created by CoVantage Credit Union, and introduces a gamified approach to creating a balanced spending plan. (CoVantage Credit Union, 1/7)
Racine students learn financial literacy through interactive simulation of life outside the classroom
At the Memorial Hall in Racine, a group of students got a trial run in what life is like as an adult. Around 100 students participated in "Reality Check" Monday, an interactive simulation of real-world experiences. Students were taught important lessons on topics such as building a career and creating a balanced budget. (Educators Credit Union, 1/19)
Identity Theft Awareness Week: Five simple ways to protect yourself
Identity Theft Awareness Week, observed January 26 to 30, is a reminder that protecting personal and financial information requires ongoing attention. Identity theft does not discriminate by age, profession, or income level. It can happen to anyone, often when we least expect it. Fortunately, small, consistent habits can significantly reduce the risk. (Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union, 1/23)
Fostering Excellence
Park City Credit Union to expand to Wausau
Park City Credit Union announced today the upcoming opening of a new, full-service branch in Wausau. (Park City Credit Union, 1/7)
Fox Communities Credit Union Expands with New Branch in Brookfield
Fox Communities Credit Union is proud to announce its expansion into the Milwaukee area with the opening of its newest branch location in Brookfield, Wisconsin, marking a pivotal and exciting step forward in its mission to help more Wisconsinites build stronger financial futures. (Fox Communities Credit Union, 1/19)
Small Credit Union Advocacy Advisory Panel announced
Thirty small credit union leaders from across the country will elevate the voices of their counterparts in America’s Credit Unions newly launched Small Credit Union Advocacy Advisory Panel. The panel members, announced Wednesday, will also strengthen advocacy efforts on the issues that matter most to small credit unions. (Ripco Credit Union 1/22)
Simplicity Credit Union opens new Stevens Point branch
The new Simplicity Credit Union is open in Stevens Point. Simplicity Credit Union celebrated its new branch opening with a ribbon cutting Jan. 19 at 3301 Business Park Drive, according to a company release. (Simplicity Credit Union, 1/23)
Executive Director named for RCU Foundation
The RCU Foundation named Jennifer McHugh as its first executive director. She will oversee strategy, grantmaking, programming, governance and operations for the foundation. She reports to the RCU Foundation Board of Directors and serves as the board’s primary liaison. The RCU Foundation supports communities in western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota where Royal Credit Union operates. (Royal Credit Union, 1/30)