Hiway Credit Union Foundation Community Impact Grants

The Hiway Credit Union Foundation announced that 15 local Twin Cities non-profits were the recipients of the Foundation’s Community Impact Grants for 2023.

The Foundation awarded grants totaling $53,000 with individual grants ranging from $500 to $5,000. Grant recipients’ initiatives and programs closely aligned with the mission and vision of the Hiway Credit Union Foundation which is to enhance the overall wellness of the communities Hiway serves. The Foundation Board and Community Impact Grant Committee surprised a few grant receipts this week with the news. These local non-profits included Exodus Lending, Junior Achievement North, and Girls Dream Code.

“We have seen the interest in our Community Impact Grant grow each year since launching it. We believe this to mean two things: first, the focus on financial wellbeing within our communities remains a priority, and second, the need for this type of programming and support cannot be done alone, our community needs us. We are truly humbled by the grant applications received and the work taking place by many non-profits throughout our State. The passion and commitment to this work is inspiring. We hope our partnership, through this grant round, will continue to make a ripple effect on so many of our neighbors, and community members.” said Christine Cordell, Hiway Credit Union’s Senior Vice President of Organizational Effectiveness and Hiway Credit Union Foundation’s Board Chair. “Exodus Lending, Junior Achievement North, and Girls Dream Code are excellent examples of these centers of influence who provide “boots on the ground” support, education, and resources within our neighborhoods. We are honored to be able to partner with these and many other organizations to positively impact people’s lives.”

Exodus Lending is a St. Paul based nonprofit that works to help Minnesota families break the cycle of predatory loan debt and help them get back on track financially by enrolling and supporting them in a 0% interest refinance program.

Junior Achievement North is part of the nation's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their futures, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA North focuses on opportunities across Minnesota, North Dakota, and western Wisconsin.

Girls Dream Code is a non-profit organization aiming to empower young girls of color and low-income to pursue an interest in technology by providing free tech workshops.

The Hiway Foundation Community Impact Grants are designated for charitable organizations whose work closely aligns with at least one of the Hiway Foundation’s five priority funding focus areas:

• Community and Economic Development
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Housing
• Hunger Relief and Healthy Eating Programs
• Informal Education - Supporting life skills & financial well-being for all

Applications were reviewed on a rolling basis and grants were awarded based on the applicant’s potential community impact and the organization's eligibility and needs.

About Hiway Credit Union Foundation

Founded in 2018, the Hiway Credit Union Foundation provides another avenue for Hiway Credit Union to provide financial success “On the Road of Life.” Since its inception, the foundation has provided funding to deserving organizations who work to further financial literacy and has awarded thousands of dollars in college scholarships to worthy students in Hiway’s home communities.