The Iowa Credit Union Foundation invested more than $375,000 in financial education and community programs across Iowa in 2025, marking its 30th anniversary year.
The Des Moines-based foundation awarded $50,000 to six community organizations through its Financial Inclusion Grant program in 2025. The foundation also distributed $46,000 through its Warren A. Morrow Memorial Scholarship program to 24 students at Iowa credit unions pursuing higher education.
The foundation invested $12,000 in the University of Northern Iowa’s Financial Skills for Smart Living program, which has reached more than 24,000 Iowa high school students since the foundation began funding the initiative in 2019.
More than 300 employees from 42 Iowa credit unions have completed the foundation’s “People Helping People” Financial Coach Program since its 2019 launch. The program trains credit union staff to assist members with financial challenges.
“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 Ena Babic Barnes, executive director. “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.”
Fifty-one Iowa credit unions donated more than $152,000 to the foundation to begin 2026, one of the organization’s strongest fundraising years.
The foundation elected three new board members for 2026: Aaron Plein, vice president of branch services at Dupaco Community Credit Union; Jeremy Reynolds, chief financial officer at Corda Credit Union; and Jamie Thomas, senior vice president of retail operations at Community 1st Credit Union. Each will serve three-year terms.
Paula O’Rourke of Corda Credit Union concluded her nine-year term on the board.
Founded in 1995 to support flood recovery efforts, the Iowa Credit Union Foundation has invested more than $4.8 million in programs and grants supporting financial education across Iowa.
