RAPID CITY, S.D.–Black Hills Federal Credit Union is reporting that during 2024 it affected the communities it serves through time spent, knowledge shared, and donations
made to the tune of more than $430,000.
BHFCU said it supported organizations in 42 communities last year.
“At the heart of all our donations, volunteerism, and financial education is the goal of making a lasting impact on individuals across the many communities we serve,” said President and CEO Jerry Schmidt in a statement. “Our highest calling as a credit union is to lift up our members and help better the places we call home.”
The credit union said its five-pronged strategy allows it to cater to the diverse needs of its employees, members, and communities, including:
Staff-Led Program Supports Passions
Through their Community Action Team (CAT), employees help decide who the credit union
gives to and lead the fundraising events that help impact their communities. In 2024, CAT:
* Supported 64 organizations
* Fostered 250 volunteer hours
* Collected an impressive 4,610 items
* Raised $48,500
Putting Education at the Forefront
Whether leading financial literacy classes or supporting further education, BHFCU knows how important it is to promote knowledge. In 2024, BHFCU:
* Facilitated 50 educational sessions for 920+ participants
* Awarded $20,000 in scholarships
Providing for Schools & Students
BHFCU’s School Support Drive, a cornerstone of the credit union’s community initiatives for
nearly 30 years, continued to make a significant impact in 2024. This year, they opened up the process for community nominations, ensuring that the support was targeted where it was
needed most.
In 2024, the School Support Drive:
* Impacted 13 communities
* Supported 25 schools and organizations
* Donated $41,750
Sponsoring What’s Important to Members
The credit union’s sponsorship program is designed to field requests from members, ensuring that funds are directed where they can make the most impact. In 2024, BHFCU’s sponsorships:
* Spanned 29 communities across three states
* Supported 201 organizations
* Donated $184,602
Corporate Donations that Make a Difference
Much like the sponsorship program, their donations committee fields requests from community members, ensuring they fulfill the most important needs.
In 2024, the donations program:
* Supported 70 organizations
* Totaled $150,300
* Staying Active in the Community
Staying connected is important. Whether through events attended or hosted, coming together with its community drives the credit union. In 2024, BHFCU:
- Hosted and attended a total of 110 community events