What does it mean for a credit union to put people first? It means recognizing that financial well-being is connected to the strength of the communities where members live, work, and raise their families. Originally developed for publication in the October 2026 print editions of Forbes and Fortune, this article explores how ICCU supports stronger communities through financial education, volunteer service, charitable giving, and partnerships that respond to local needs.
Building up the community plays an integral role in supporting member success.
ICCU is on a mission to help its members achieve financial success. That purpose may appear simple on the surface, but digging deeper into what drives the credit union shows just how complex it can be to carry out. After all, every ICCU member is part of a community, and if their community lacks resources, support and opportunity, everyone feels it. That’s why ICCU has long worked to help its members and the communities it serves.
Investing in Member Communities
As a not-for-profit, ICCU answers to its members, who are part owners in its success. Earnings are generally reinvested in the credit union, with dividends paid in the form of lower rates on loans, higher earnings on deposit accounts and fewer fees. But some earnings also make their way to external philanthropic causes, particularly areas that help build stronger, more vibrant communities where members can flourish.
According to CEO Brenda Worrell:
Investing in our members means investing in the places they call home, and that can take many forms: sometimes it’s through volunteer work, sometimes through donations and sponsorships, and sometimes through education. We take a hard look at what people indicate they need and take our cues from there.
That people-first philosophy has been part of ICCU since its Idaho inception in 1940 and has only grown stronger as it has expanded into Washington and Arizona. In 2025 alone, ICCU contributed more than 42,000 volunteer hours and participated in more than 2,500 community events to make a difference throughout its footprint.
Supporting Financial Literacy
ICCU’s philanthropic support focuses on living essentials, such as food, education, housing and community experiences and spaces. But the credit union also puts muscle behind financial literacy, where investments of time and expertise reap benefits over the long term.
“Being able to make sound financial decisions is a critical life skill that contributes to stability for individuals and families and, by extension, their communities,” says Worrell. “It’s important to have a solid foundation, and it’s never too late to learn. I’m so grateful to our ‘Green Team’ for making financial education a priority.”
In 2025, the ICCU staff known affectionately as the “Green Team,” dedicated more than 2,800 volunteer hours to financial literacy programs. Such programs enable individuals to better understand their options and make informed decisions about money matters at every stage of life.
Additionally, as financial education is now a high school graduation requirement in some ICCU markets, the credit union is helping teachers access in-depth and engaging instructional materials. Through a grant, ICCU provides an online financial education platform free of charge to every high school within its footprint.
Staying Engaged While Growing
ICCU has grown to support more than 825,000 members by delivering personalized financial products and services, from checking and savings accounts to mortgage services, business banking and wealth management. At the same time, it continues to build partnerships to address its communities’ needs, from advocating for accessible and affordable housing to assisting schools and nonprofits in achieving their goals, while its Green Team engages in random acts of kindness to spread smiles.
“ICCU has grown over the years,” Worrell notes, “and by always putting people first, we know we’re growing in the right direction.”
ICCU Community Impact by the Numbers
- 825,000+ Members Served
- 42,000+ Volunteer Hours in 2025
- 2,500+ Community Events in 2025
- 2,800+ Financial Literacy Volunteer Hours in 2025
Supporting Your Next Step Toward Financial Success
ICCU’s commitment to financial success extends beyond financial products and services. By listening to members, supporting financial education, and investing time and resources in local communities, ICCU is working to help create a stronger financial future for the people and places it serves.
This article is republished with permission. ICCU has added additional context.
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