Iowa Credit Union Foundation Awards $50,000 to Community Organizations Through Financial Inclusion Grant Program

​The Iowa Credit Union Foundation (ICUF) is continuing its commitment to expanding financial opportunity across Iowa by awarding $50,000 through its 2026 Financial Inclusion Grant Program. In the last of a three-year, $150,000 commitment, the program provides funding to nonprofit organizations working to improve access to resources and opportunities that can strengthen financial well-being.

The Financial Inclusion Grant Program was created to support initiatives addressing key areas that impact financial stability, including affordable housing, business ownership, childcare, education, employment and health access. Through nominations from credit unions, the program connects funding with organizations making a meaningful difference in the communities they serve.

The 2026 grant recipients include:

• $6,500 to Presentation Lantern Center in Dubuque addressing Education
• $6,000 to Mercado on 5th Inc. DBA Mercado on Fifth in Moline, IL (serving Quad Cities area) addressing Business Ownership
• $5,000 to Willkie House in Des Moines addressing Childcare
• $5,000 to Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa/ Habitat ReStore in Mason City addressing Affordable Housing
• $10,000 to Community Action Agency of Siouxland in Sioux City addressing Affordable Housing
• $5,000 to YPN in Cedar Rapids addressing Education
• $7,500 to Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center in Fort Dodge addressing Affordable Housing and Employment
• $5,000 to The Warming Shelter, Inc. in Sioux City addressing Affordable Housing

"Financial inclusion is about more than access. It’s about creating opportunities for people and communities to thrive,” said Ena Babic Barnes, Executive Director of the Iowa Credit Union Foundation. “These grants support organizations that are removing barriers, strengthening financial well-being, and expanding pathways to economic opportunity across Iowa. We are proud to partner with credit unions to invest in solutions that create lasting impact.”

The Financial Inclusion Grant Program is one way ICUF and Iowa credit unions are working together to support organizations that create greater access to opportunities across the state. The program was launched in response to the findings of ICUF’s 2023 report, Economic Realities of Communities of Color. By investing in key policy areas identified in the report, the program helps organizations address barriers to financial stability.

​For more than 30 years, the Iowa Credit Union Foundation has worked to champion financial well-being for all Iowans. Since its founding in 1995 to aid in flood recovery efforts, ICUF has dedicated more than $5 million in programs, initiatives and grants throughout Iowa communities.