Corda Credit Union has been named an Outstanding Large Philanthropic Organization by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Eastern Iowa Chapter. The award was presented on Nov. 13, ahead of National Philanthropy Day on Nov. 15.
“It is a great honor to be recognized for our contributions to the community,” said Paula O’Rourke, president and CEO of Corda Credit Union. “We actively donate to local nonprofits and encourage our staff to volunteer, both on their own time and during work hours.”
Through its Volunteer Incentive Plan, the credit union provides employees 16 hours of paid time off for volunteering after they contribute an equal amount of their own time to a qualifying nonprofit.
This marks the first time a credit union has received the AFP award in this category since 1998. Corda was nominated by the Marion Public Library Foundation, with additional support from the Arc of East Central Iowa, Cedar Rapids Library Foundation, Indian Creek Nature Center, Mission of Hope, St. Luke’s Foundation, the Teacher Store, and the Children’s Miracle Network at the University of Iowa.
The Marion Public Library Foundation cited Corda’s $150,000 contribution to its $3.3 million capital campaign for a new library building, which includes the Outdoor Reading Terrace named in the credit union’s honor.
The Foundation also cited Corda’s support of “the library in its outreach to both donors and members of the public, key library audiences” in the aftermath of the pandemic and the 2020 derecho, as well as the ongoing dedication of Corda staff to volunteer at several library events.
“‘Corda’ is the Latin word for hearts,” said Ms. O’Rourke, “and we strive every day to serve our members and communities with both compassion and expertise. We invest our heart into everything we do.”
Corda Credit Union serves nearly 26,000 members across 22 counties in Iowa, from Black Hawk to Washington.
