Sometimes the most meaningful thing a credit union can give isn't a check. It's an opportunity.

That idea is at the heart of Bluestone Federal Credit Union's (South Dakota) Cooperative Culture program, now entering its fourth year in partnership with the Sioux Falls Stampede Hockey Club.

The program began when Bluestone staff asked themselves a simple question: “How can we use the relationships and resources we already have to help nonprofit organizations in our communities reach more people?” Many smaller nonprofits do extraordinary work without large marketing budgets or the resources to widely promote their missions. Bluestone realized they could help by providing more than a financial contribution. They could give these organizations an audience.

A Non-Profit Focus, One Hockey Season at a Time

Each hockey season, Bluestone invites 15 nonprofits from within their field of membership to participate in Cooperative Culture. Each organization receives its own dedicated night at a Sioux Falls Stampede game.

Leading up to the game, the nonprofit receives promotional exposure through Bluestone and the Stampede. On game night, it has space in the arena to interact directly with fans. Bluestone encourages each organization to make the space its own, using games, activities and giveaways to start conversations and introduce people to its mission. The nonprofit also receives PA announcements and video exposure during the game, complimentary tickets for those working the event and a photo with Stomp, the Stampede mascot. Bluestone contributes $250 directly to each organization, and a credit union team member is there throughout the night to provide support.

What happens when all of those pieces come together is up to the nonprofit and the people who stop by. They haven't disappointed.

B-Squad Dog Rescue, for example, arrived at its game with widely successful doggie waste bags filled with Tootsie Rolls, information about the rescue and, in a lucky few, gift cards. The humor got people's attention. The dogs did the rest.

“We had a blast, and one of the Dalmatians got adopted!” the B-Squad team told Bluestone. The rescue had been caring for two Dalmatians for a long time.

Educators Rising SD took a different approach. The organization first heard about Cooperative Culture on social media and contacted Bluestone about participating. Its night happened to coincide with the Stampede's Pink in the Rink Night supporting breast cancer awareness. Educators Rising embraced the theme, creating funny social media reels beforehand and handing out pink foam hockey pucks to the first 500 fans who visited their table.

That kind of creativity is exactly what Cooperative Culture was designed to encourage.

When an Introduction Becomes Something More

Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization that builds beds for children who don't have them, experienced just how far one of those introductions can travel.

At its Cooperative Culture night, the organization met a member of Parrot Heads of the Prairie, a local group dedicated to “Partying with a Purpose” and supporting area nonprofits. Their conversation continued long after the hockey game.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace was eventually selected as the beneficiary of one of the group's events. The result was $7,000 in donations — enough to build 28 beds for local children.

“Thanks to Bluestone’s Cooperative Culture, we had the opportunity to connect with a member of the Parrot Heads of the Prairie at our table in January at the Sioux Falls Stampede hockey game. That connection led to SHP being chosen as their nonprofit for an event this year, resulting in $7,000 worth of donations — enough to build 28 beds for local kids in need. We are incredibly grateful for Bluestone’s support in helping us share our mission: No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town!” said Nicole Hofer, Chapter Co-President of Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

These types of connections are exactly what Bluestone hopes Cooperative Culture can be for non-profits: an introduction that grows into a relationship that continues making an impact long after the game is over.

A Program That Continues to Grow

When Cooperative Culture began, Bluestone sought out smaller nonprofits that could benefit from greater exposure. During the first three seasons, 45 organizations participated. By year three, something had changed: Nonprofits were finding Cooperative Culture on their own. Organizations began asking to participate, and several previous participants asked to return because of the relationships and volunteers they gained through their nights.

The fourth season hasn't started, and all 15 spots are already filled. Bluestone has even begun a list for next year. By the end of this season, Cooperative Culture will have provided 60 nonprofit nights over four years.

And they’re widening the circle. Bluestone's field of membership encompasses 43 counties across four states, many in rural communities. This year, they intentionally sought nonprofits from counties that had not previously been represented, creating opportunities for more communities to take part.

When someone stops at a Cooperative Culture table, they may discover a cause they never knew existed, they may become a volunteer or they may form a relationship that continues long after the final horn sounds. It’s impossible to manufacture these connections or predict where they'll lead, but Bluestone has done what is possible: create a place for them to begin. And after four years, perhaps that's the best measure of Cooperative Culture: The nonprofits keep coming, the relationships keep growing, and one introduction continues to lead to another.

 

For Jordan Credit Union (Utah) the Power of Cooperation isn't a tagline, it's a tradition they live out every October through December through their Warm the Soles program. Each year, the entire Jordan CU staff comes together to provide at-risk youth with new shoes for Christmas, ensuring kids in their community start the new year with dignity, warmth and confidence.

This isn't a token gesture. Jordan CU’s team members personally contribute — many giving more than $100 out of their own pockets, and they extend the invitation to their members as well, turning a staff initiative into a true community effort. The results speak for themselves: Approximately $25,000 per year has been raised as part of the initiative, resulting in 592 pairs of shoes in 2023, 625 pairs in 2024 and 847 pairs in 2025.

Warm the Soles doesn't stop at shoes. The funds Jordan CU raises also go toward partnering with local school districts to provide coats and other essential winter items, so no child in their community has to choose between staying warm and feeling seen.

What makes this program special isn't just the shoes on kids' feet; it's the culture it builds within their credit union. Jordan CU’s employees look forward to Warm the Soles every year. It's become part of who they are: a credit union that believes people helping people means showing up for the most vulnerable members of our community, especially when the weather turns cold and the need is greatest.

As Alloya celebrates 15 years of the Power of Cooperation, Jordan CU is proud to carry that spirit forward. One pair of shoes, one warm coat and one child at a time.

At Intandem Credit Union (Michigan), community involvement is not a charitable activity on the sidelines of their work. It is central to who they are. Over the last several years, Intandem CU has intentionally built their identity around strengthening the communities they serve by developing meaningful partnerships with local nonprofit organizations, supporting underserved populations and creating pathways to safe, affordable housing and economic opportunity.

As a small credit union with approximately $75 million in assets, Intandem CU could easily assume their ability to create change is limited. Instead, they have challenged themselves to think differently. By leveraging their financial resources, employee volunteer efforts and community partnerships, they have sought to maximize their impact and ensure that more dollars and more support reach the people and neighborhoods that need them most.

Intandem’s commitment extends beyond financial contributions. Employees regularly volunteer with organizations addressing some of their community's most pressing needs. Through their partnership with Kent County Community Action, staff members support programs that combat food insecurity and help families access essential resources. They volunteer with ICCF Community Homes to support affordable housing initiatives that create opportunities for low-income families to achieve housing stability. They also work alongside Home Repair Services, helping preserve safe and affordable housing through essential home repair programs and financial education initiatives that empower homeowners to build long-term financial well-being.

In addition to volunteer service, Intandem has leveraged regional and federal partnership programs to bring new investment into our communities. Two years ago, they participated in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBank Indianapolis) Revive program for the first time. This program provides grant funding directly to low-income homeowners for critical home repairs, helping residents remain safely in their homes while preserving affordable housing stock.

In 2026, they expanded their efforts by participating in three community development initiatives. Through the Revive program, they have helped deliver more than $70,000 in grant funding to income-qualified homeowners across their charter area, enabling critical home repairs that improve safety, preserve affordable housing and help families remain in their homes.

To support economic vitality in the neighborhoods they serve, Intandem selected two locally owned small businesses, one near each branch location, to receive $10,000 grants through the Elevate program. These funds support business-led initiatives that strengthen local communities, create opportunities and contribute to neighborhood growth.

They are also participating in the Community Multiplier Program, which directs substantial grant funding to nonprofit housing organizations working to increase affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income families. Through the Community Multiplier Program, Intandem is providing $18,750 in combined funding, including a $15,000 FHLBank Indianapolis grant and a $3,750 credit union match, to New Development Corporation (NDC). NDC works throughout Kent County to build and rehabilitate affordable housing, improve neighborhood stability and expand homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income families.

Together, these partnerships reflect the credit union difference in action: combining financial resources, employee volunteerism and community collaboration to address housing affordability, food insecurity, economic opportunity and financial well-being. By working alongside organizations already making a difference, Intandem is able to amplify their impact while creating meaningful opportunities for the people and communities they are proud to serve.

Intandem's community investments are designed to benefit the broader community, not just their membership.

Collectively, these efforts represent more than $108,750 in community investment and grant funding delivered or committed in 2026. More importantly, they reflect Intandem's belief that credit unions can create meaningful change by pairing financial resources with volunteer service, strategic partnerships and a deep commitment to the communities they serve. For a credit union of their size, the impact is significant, and they are proud to demonstrate that community leadership is measured not by assets, but by action.

Beyond financial support, Intandem employees regularly volunteer with community organizations addressing food insecurity, affordable housing, home preservation, and financial education. While Intandem has just 23 employees, their commitment to community impact extends well beyond their size. In 2026 alone, employees have contributed more than 100 volunteer hours supporting organizations focused on food security, affordable housing, home preservation and financial education throughout our community. Through partnerships with Kent County Community Action, ICCF Community Homes, and Home Repair Services, Intandem staff contributes time and expertise to initiatives that help families access essential resources, maintain safe housing and build long-term financial stability. These efforts have benefited homeowners, families, small business owners and community development organizations throughout their service area while strengthening the neighborhoods they are proud to serve.