TUSCARAWAS, Ohio–DoverPhila Federal Credit Union is reporting it has provided $2.6 million in year-end giveback to members and made additional community investments across Tuscarawas County.
The $785-million credit union said the bonus marks the 31st consecutive year it has returned significant earnings to members and represents the largest member bonus dividend in its history. Including the bonus, DoverPhila said it returned $15.5 million in dividends during the year to members and the Tuscarawas County community, up from $13 million in 2024.
What’s Included
The $2.6 million year-end member bonus dividend includes what DoverPhila called everyday financial advantages of membership, including low-cost auto loans, competitive dividend and certificate rates, expanded digital tools and free financial resources, along with programs intended to support long-term financial well-being.
DoverPhila also distributed $15 dividends to youth members enrolled in DP’s Kids Club and DP’s Savers Club accounts, citing its focus on building financial wellness early.
Community Pledges
In addition, among its commitments:
- The credit union said it pledged $250,000 over the next five years to Friends of the Homeless of Tuscarawas County to support the development of Jack’s House of Hope.
- It contributed more than $40,000 to United Way of Tuscarawas County through donations and sponsorships to support health and human services
- It provided $10,000 to the Buckeye Career Center Foundation for scholarships and grants supporting students in technical trades.
- It partnered with Elan Financial Services to donate $10,000 to Beneath the Shade through Elan’s Charitable Giving Program.
- Additional contributions went to the Rainbow Connection, Ohio Guidestones, the Family Reading Festival, Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital’s Run for Home, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Friends of the Tuscarawas County Public Library, Greater Dover New Phila Food Pantry, the Tuscarawas County Humane Society, the Tuscarawas County Fair, Access Tuscarawas and others.
The ‘Impact We Create’
“We measure success by the impact we create — not just on our balance sheet, but in the lives of our members and neighbors,” President and CEO Jason Garner said in a statement. “Returning $2.6 million to our membership and more than $200,000 to Tuscarawas County this year is a testament to the strength of our cooperative model and the trust our community places in us. When our members thrive, the entire region thrives, and we are proud to play a meaningful role in building a stronger, financially empowered community.”
Additional Payouts
As the CU daily reported earlier, other credit unions announcing bonus dividends and payouts include:
- Dearborn, Mich.-based DFCU Financial announced the distribution of$18.7 million in cash back to eligible members, marking 20 years of its Cash Back program. Since the program launched in 2006, DFCU Financial said it has returned more than $510 million to its members, “reinforcing its long-standing commitment to sharing success with the people it serves.”
- Parkersburg, W.V.-based West Virginia Central Credit Union paid a bonus dividend just over $993,000 to about 22,000 members. WVCCU said that unlike recent bonus dividends paid out, the owner dividend was distributed based on how long a member has banked with the credit union rather than account balances. For those who were members as of Dec. 31st, 2024, and prior received $48 and those who became members after received $12.50.
- Midland, Mich.-based Dow Credit Union said its 2025 Member Giveback is paying out more than $18 million. The payout is based on a 30% return of the additional interest paid to members with eligible deposits, 30% of the interest paid on eligible loans, and a 0.125% rebate based on net Visa debit card usage.
- In Elko, Nev., Elko Federal Credit Union said it is giving back in two ways: a $1 million Member Dividend paid directly to members, and a $200,000 Community Dividend that is dedicated to supporting local not-for-profit organizations. For members, the payout is: Approximately $457,000 share bonus dividend for qualified primary share account holders; Approximately $457,000 loan interest refund for members with qualifying loans; Approximately $86,000 to its EFCU Youth accounts.
- In Pasadena, Texas, the $1.25-billion Gulf Coast Educators FCU said it is distributing $2 million in loyalty bonuses to eligible members, to thank them for their continued trust and support. Following a successful 2025, the credit union said it deposited $2,016,665 directly into the accounts of 33,164 eligible members as part their Loyalty Bonus program. Individual bonuses ranged from $15 to $285, rewarding members for their everyday banking activity and long-term relationship with the credit union.
- In Wyandotte, Michigan., Michigan Legacy Credit Union, has announced its Patronage 365 dividend. According to CEO Carma Peters, Michigan Legacy opts to distribute its patronage dividends back to its members every day of the year in fee waivers (hence, Patronage 36’), based on the members’ participation with the credit union. The dividend increases as members increase their financial transaction activity. “Our staff educate members by informing them that the more they use their credit union, the less they pay in fees,” Peters said in a statement. “In 2025, Michigan Legacy waived a total of $319,275.00 in fees to members via patronage dividends – a number equal to 34% of Michigan Legacy Credit Union’s 2025 income, and one that reflects our role as a true financial cooperative.
- Phoenix-based Desert Financial Credit Union said its Member Giveback Bonus program will reward qualified members with a total of $16 million later this month. Over nearly a decade, Desert Financial reported it has awarded its members a total of $122 million in giveback bonuses. Qualifying members will receive an average giveback bonus of $88.11 this year.
