ST. JOSEPH — United Federal Credit Union (UFCU) has taken first place in the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Outreach Award competition for Michigan-based credit unions and is under consideration for the national title.

The Dora Maxwell Award recognizes credit unions that have excelled in community relations and are committed to ongoing charitable programs within their communities. The competition is administered at the state level by the Michigan Credit Union League, and at the national level by the Credit Union National Association. State winners are automatically entered in the national competition where judging is currently underway.

UFCU is being honored for its Pay It Forward program. The idea for Pay It Forward came from employees in 2008 during the economic downturn when they requested that funds set aside for annual holiday parties be used to help the needy instead. UFCU responded by giving each employee a set amount of funds to donate to the individual, family or charitable organization of his or her choice — a practice that continues to grow as UFCU’s footprint and workforce grows. Employees often pool their resources and contribute personal funds to increase their donations. In 2014, donations were made to 24 charitable organizations and 120 families or individuals.

UFCU, which competes in the award category for credit unions with assets over $1 billion, received the highest honor in the state among winners in all categories.

 

About UFCU

United Federal Credit Union has served its Members since 1949 by helping them to build a sound financial future. UFCU consists of more than 130,000 Member/owners worldwide, and manages assets in excess of $1.83 billion. Its corporate offices and main branch are located in St. Joseph, Mich., with additional branches in Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, and Ohio.