Every October, credit unions worldwide pause to celebrate International Credit Union Day. For Chartway, it’s more than a date on the calendar – it’s a reminder of why we exist. Our not-for-profit, member-owned structure allows us to focus on people, not profits. That means affordable financial solutions, but it also means investing time, money, and heart into the places Chartway members call home in our Virginia, Utah, and Texas markets.

When you choose a credit union, you’re choosing more than a place to manage your money. You’re choosing a financial partner that reinvests in people, neighborhoods, and futures. And this year’s celebration gives us the perfect opportunity to highlight how Chartway lives out that purpose across our communities This year, we’re proud to spotlight the ways Chartway is strengthening communities, inspiring hope, and creating opportunities that last far beyond a single transaction.

Chartway Promise Foundation: Delivering Joy, Hope, & Smiles

At the center of Chartway’s community commitment is the Chartway Promise Foundation, which is celebrating 20 years and $16 million to support medically fragile children and their families. Our fundraising and your donations power an incredible variety of experiences and services delivered through 25 charitable partners. Support includes:

  • Therapies and medical support, including equipment and treatment funding.
  • Emotional well-being programs, such as art and music therapy.
  • Joy-filled experiences, like backyard playset builds or once-in-a-lifetime trips.

Every initiative is designed to bring hope and brighter days to our Promise Heroes and their families. For example, this September, our branches and communities “Went Gold” for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – raising money, rallying volunteers, and reminding families that they’re not alone.

Local Partnerships with Lasting Impact

Chartway believes that thriving communities are built through partnerships:

  • Tooele Buffalo Art Initiative (Utah): We sponsored a Chartway-themed public art installation that brings beauty and vitality to downtown Tooele while celebrating local artists and community pride.
  • Small Business Banking: We support entrepreneurs with specialized banking solutions, fueling growth and strengthening local economies.
  • Volunteerism: In just the past year, Chartway team members and Resource Groups contributed more than 1,500 volunteer hours across our markets.

These local investments remind us that credit unions are not just financial institutions; we’re neighbors, partners, and advocates for stronger communities.

Education That Empowers

Financial wellness is about more than numbers – it’s about confidence. That’s why we’ve built strong education partnerships that reach learners of all ages:

  • Junior Achievement programs in local schools, where Chartway volunteers teach the fundamentals of budgeting, saving, and entrepreneurship.
  • Financial Wellness seminars, where students gain the skills to manage debt, credit, and independence with confidence.
  • Youth accounts, Zogo app access, and workshops designed to give kids and teens hands-on practice with money before adulthood.
  • From kindergarten classrooms to college lecture halls, we’re helping the next generation build lifelong financial competence.

Valuing Differences

At Chartway, “Everyone Is Welcome” isn’t just a value statement – it’s a practice that shows who we are. Here are but a few of our inclusive efforts:

  • ITIN mortgage loans that expand homeownership to individuals without Social Security numbers.
  • Bilingual workshops and loan officers to serve members in their preferred language.
  • Partnerships with colleges and universities and other community-based organizations to expand access to education and opportunities.
  • Resource Groups that empower team members around shared passions and identities and connect them directly with service opportunities.

When we honor our differences, we invest in stronger communities where more people can thrive.

Why Credit Unions Matter

Credit unions like Chartway are different from big banks in ways that matter to everyday families:

  • Lower costs: Profits cycle back to members as better rates and fewer fees.
  • Local reinvestment: Dollars stay in Virginia, Utah, and Texas, fueling schools, nonprofits, and small businesses.
  • People-first mindset: Decisions are made with members’ interests at the center, not shareholders’.

That combination of affordability, access, and empathy is why 140 million Americans choose credit unions – and why our members trust us to be more than a financial institution.

Celebrate International Credit Union Day With Us

This International Credit Union Day, we invite you to look beyond the headlines to see the real impact credit unions create. Whether it’s a playset for a child in Virginia, a scholarship for a student in Texas, or a public art initiative in Utah, every story comes back to the same promise: People Helping People.

Join us in celebrating the power of credit unions – and the brighter futures they build every day.