NEENAH, Wis. — Community First Credit Union said it has committed $1 million to support relief and rebuilding efforts following the severe storms and tornado that recently struck the Fox Cities, with assistance targeted to affected residents and businesses in Menasha, Appleton, Neenah and Fox Crossing.
According to the credit union, the pledge is among the largest community recovery commitments in its history and will support both immediate disaster relief and long-term recovery initiatives across Northeast Wisconsin.
“For more than 50 years, Community First has stood alongside the people of Northeast Wisconsin through life’s celebrations and its challenges,” President and CEO Cathie Tierney said in a statement. “The devastation from the recent storm and tornado is significant, but our commitment to our neighbors is unwavering. Rebuilding takes time, but together, block by block and brick by brick, our team is determined to help our community recover and come back stronger than ever.”
Series of Relief Programs
In addition to the $1 million commitment, Community First announced a series of disaster relief programs intended to ease financial burdens for individuals, families and businesses affected by the storm. The assistance is available regardless of whether applicants are current credit union members, although some programs are limited to existing members.
Relief programs include:
- Emergency relief loans: Existing members as of July 28, 2026, may qualify for loans ranging from $500 to $5,000 at 0% APR for up to 24 months, with payments deferred for up to 90 days. The loans are intended to help cover expenses such as temporary housing, transportation and lost wages.
- Property repair financing: Loans from $500 to $30,000 at 3.50% APR for terms of up to 60 months are available to both existing and new members for home and property repairs and restoration.
- Payment and fee relief: Impacted members may qualify for loan deferments of up to three months, Skip-a-Pay options on credit cards, temporary credit card limit increases, fee considerations and waivers of early certificate of deposit withdrawal penalties.
Community First encouraged residents and business owners seeking assistance to visit a branch, contact its customer support center or submit a disaster relief request through the credit union’s website.
