COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo./APPLE VALLEY, Minn. – The Wings Credit Union Foundation has announced $500,000 in community investments supporting local nonprofits in Wings Credit Union’s dual headquarters communities of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Apple Valley, Minn.
The commitments include a $250,000 investment in Early Connections Learning Centers (Colorado) and a $250,000 investment in 360 Communities (Minnesota). Distributed over three years, the gifts reflect the Foundation’s expanded community impact following the merger of Wings and Ent Credit Union and support organizations helping people and communities thrive.
The Colorado investment marks the Foundation’s first major philanthropic gift in the Centennial State and will help expand access to affordable, high-quality childcare at a new Early Connections childcare facility planned for the Bradley Ridge affordable housing community in southeast Colorado Springs. The funding will help address a significant childcare shortage as community leaders estimate El Paso County needs approximately 17,000 additional childcare slots to meet the needs of local families. It also builds on a longstanding partnership between Early Connections and Wings, previously Ent, including a $225,000 investment in 2023 supporting development of the Alice Bemis Taylor Center for Early Childhood Education.
The Minnesota investment marks the Foundation’s first major gift in Minnesota following the merger and will support 360 Communities’ work to strengthen families, improve stability, and help individuals build brighter futures throughout the Twin Cities region. This commitment builds on years of partnership between Wings and 360 Communities through sponsorships, volunteerism, and support for initiatives serving families and survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
“Strong communities are built when people have access to the support and resources they need to thrive,” said Annie Snead, Wings Credit Union Foundation executive director and Wings Credit Union vice president of community impact. “Through the Wings Credit Union Foundation, we’re building on a longstanding commitment to our communities by investing in organizations that create opportunity, strengthen stability, and make a lasting difference in people’s lives.”
Wings Credit Union CEO Chad Graves further commented, “Continuing to engage in ways that strengthen our local roots, investment, and care for community was a priority in our merger of equals. We are pleased to support organizations like Early Connections and 360 Communities while expanding the reach and impact of the Wings Credit Union Foundation.”
The investments were announced during “Gathering for Good” events held Tuesday at Wings headquarters in Colorado Springs and Apple Valley. The events brought together local community impact leaders and featured interactive art experiences led by local artists celebrating partnership, opportunity, and community investment. The final artwork will be featured at each of the nonprofits receiving support.
