News & Events

First Community Credit Union (FCCU) is proud to announce the launch of the First Community Credit Union Foundation, a newly established 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to expand FCCU's long-standing commitment to strengthening the communities it serves.

Guided by FCCU's mission to strengthen community by helping members grow and thrive, the Foundation will invest in programs and partnerships that create lasting impact across North Dakota and western Minnesota. Through strategic giving and community collaboration, the Foundation will focus on three key pillars: Community Enrichment, Education, and Health & Stability.

The Foundation has been years in the making. For more than a decade, FCCU President & CEO Steve Schmitz envisioned a way to deepen the credit union's investment in the communities it calls home by creating an organization dedicated solely to charitable giving and community impact.

"This foundation isn't just about giving," said Schmitz. "It's about multiplying the impact we can make. It's about going beyond one-time contributions and creating something lasting that reflects who we are at our core and our vision to strengthen community by helping members grow and thrive."

While community involvement has always been central to FCCU's mission, the Foundation creates a lasting framework to expand those efforts for generations to come. FCCU has already committed initial funding to launch the Foundation and with support of our community partners, we look forward to growing its impact over time.

The Foundation will focus its giving in three key areas:

• Community Enrichment – Supporting programs, organizations and facilities that enhance the vibrancy, connection and quality of life within local communities.
• Education – Investing in learning opportunities that empower groups and individuals of all ages to build brighter futures.
• Health & Stability – Strengthening organizations and initiatives that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being within our communities.

Grant applications are expected to open in January 2027 and will be reviewed quarterly by the Foundation's Board of Directors. Eligible nonprofit organizations and community initiatives that align with the Foundation's funding priorities will be invited to apply.

To celebrate its launch, the Foundation will host its inaugural fundraising event, Dueling for a Difference, on Saturday, September 26 in Jamestown. The evening will feature entertainment by Fun Pianos!, Irish and silent auctions, heavy appetizers and opportunities for community members to support the Foundation's mission while enjoying a memorable night together. Learn more. 

"The Foundation is a reflection of who we are as a credit union," Schmitz said. "By investing in our communities today, we're helping create stronger, healthier communities for generations to come."

For more information about the First Community Credit Union Foundation, click here.