ST. CLOUD, Minn.– TriUnity Foundation said it is demonstrating continued national momentum following its 2026 Annual Meeting, “marking significant growth in both partner engagement and organizational leadership as it advances its mission to relieve financial strain for individuals and families facing terminal illness.”
In just two years, the Foundation has moved from proof of concept to measurable expansion, growing from four founding partners in 2024 to 12 partners today, increasing its ability to reach more individuals and families during some of life’s most difficult moments.
“What began as a pilot was our moment of proof, not just that the idea made sense but that it worked in real life,” LeAnn Case, chair of TriUnity Foundation. “Now we’re seeing what happens when the credit union movement leans in. This isn’t just growth. It’s momentum, and it’s opening the door to reach more people when they need it most.”
The Foundation’s early pilot supported 11 individuals and families navigating terminal illness. Since then, it has refined its model, strengthened its processes, and expanded awareness across the credit union system, thus creating a scalable approach to delivering direct financial relief.
As part of its 2026 Annual Meeting, the Foundation also reinforced its leadership structure to support continued growth, including the addition of Ben Hering to its Board of Directors. Hering brings more than a decade of experience across the credit union system, including leadership in partnerships, collaboration, and community-focused initiatives.
“Our focus now is how we build on this momentum,” Case added. “That means continuing to grow through credit union partnerships while also expanding into major donor strategies so this model is sustainable long-term and can reach even more people.”
Two Key Priorities
The Foundation said it identified two key strategic priorities moving forward:
- Continued, intentional growth of credit union partners
- Expansion into major donor strategies to diversify funding and scale impact
This next phase reflects a shift from proving the model to strengthening and sustaining it to ensure long-term reach and stability, the foundation said.
The Foundation’s momentum continues next week at its Denim & Diamonds Gala in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where credit union leaders, partners, and community members will gather to further advance this mission and expand its impact.
“Momentum like this doesn’t sustain itself. It grows through continued belief, partnership, and action across the credit union movement,” Case shared.
Board of Directors & Leadership
The Foundation’s Board of Directors represents a cross-section of credit union and industry leadership:
- LeAnn Case, St. Cloud Financial Credit Union (Chair)
- Alyce Justin, Retired (Vice Chair)
- Franco Cusipag, St. Cloud Financial Credit Union (Treasurer)
- Eric Berg, DNT BLNK
- Cheryl Dutton, Altra Federal Credit Union
- Ben Hering, CU Collaborate
- Chase Larson, St. Cloud Financial Credit Union
- Jed Meyer, St. Cloud Financial Credit Union
- Joel Swanson, Associated Healthcare Credit Union
The Foundation is further supported by an Advisory Committee composed of leaders across healthcare, community impact, and the credit union ecosystem.
