WEST DES MOINES, Iowa–During the Iowa Credit Union Convention, ICUF’s annual Benefit Night Fundraiser brought in a record-breaking amount of $118,000 to support its mission of advancing financial well-being for all Iowans.
More than 280 attendees from the credit union industry and broader business community came together for this year’s event.
“We’re grateful to all of our Benefit Night attendees and sponsors for helping us raise $118,000 to support Iowans,” Ena Babic Barnes, ICUF executive director, said in a statement. “These funds will make a meaningful difference by removing barriers to financial well-being and providing assistance to Iowans in times of need.”
During the event, Babic Barnes, along with ICUF Chair Jordan Hensley (CEO of Peoples Credit Union), and ICUF Vice Chair Julie Willse (chief operations officer of Greater Iowa Credit Union), highlighted the Foundation’s achievements over the past year and honored the recipients of the 2025 ICUF Community Impact Award.
“This award recognizes leaders who dedicate their time, talent and resources to strengthening communities,” the foundation said. “From advancing charitable causes, to creating space for those in need, to raising funds that transform lives these individuals embody the true spirit of credit unions.”
The Winners
This year’s Community Impact award receipts were:
- Heather Waffle-Terrance, I.H. Mississippi Valley Credit Union (Moline, Ill.)
- Greg Hanshaw, president/CEO of Community 1st Credit Union (Ottumwa, Iowa)
- Tom Blanford, MEMBERS1st Community Credit Union (Boone, Iowa)
“Being part of ICUF’s leadership has allowed me to witness the powerful ways credit unions are strengthening communities across Iowa,” said Hensley, ICUF board chair. “The individuals we recognized this year reflect that mission in action, showing through their work and service what it truly means to put people first.”
The event also celebrated ICUF’s 30th anniversary by highlighting its achievements and impact over the past three decades. Highlights include, but are not limited to:
- Awarding more than $4.8 million in grants, scholarships, program investments, and pledges to mission-aligned initiatives.
- Helping more than 1,200 Iowa credit union members grow their savings through matched programs totaling over $2.3 million.
- Providing more than $317,000 in scholarships to Iowa credit union members pursuing higher education.
- Training over 300 financial coaches at 43 credit unions statewide through the People Helping People Financial Coach program.
Partnering with Iowa credit unions to leverage more than $330,000 in community-focused philanthropic initiatives.
