2018 Community Grant Recipients

TruNorth Federal Credit Union has chosen three recipients for the 2018 TruNorth Community Grant.

The first recipient is Courage Incorporated, is a donor funded non-profit organization that provides opportunities for physically disabled adults and veterans to explore the great outdoors. The award, $7,500, will help the organization purchase equipment needed to help increase outdoor access for disabled adults.

Erik Conradson, Executive Director of the organization, said of the award: “We are so fortunate to have the support of our community and great organizations like TruNorth Credit Union.  Because we are a 100% donor funded and 100% volunteer operated organization, it means so much to us to have the backing of the greater U.P. community.  We aim to serve individuals and veterans with physical disabilities from all over, but it means so much to us to host our brothers and sisters from ‘da Yoop.’

This grant money will help the people we serve tremendously by providing them with meaningful outdoor experiences.  We plan to utilize the money to upgrade and rig our boats with reliable motors and equipment.  We plan to upgrade our tents so that we may provide our clients who utilize walking aids or wheelchairs with a safer place to retire at the end of an adventurous day.  We also have some minor upgrades and purchases to make that will allow us to expand our programs into the winter months.  We’re looking forward to potentially hosting ice fishing adventures beginning as early as this winter.  With this grant from TruNorth Credit Union, we are confident that our clients will have amazing outdoor experiences with us for years to come.  Thank you so much for choosing Courage Incorporated.”

The second recipient is the Girl Scout’s Camp Pow Low located in Gwinn, MI. The award, $2,350, will provide funding for a new platform tent.

Les Bek, Girl Scout Fund Development Manager and Property Specialist for Camp Pow Low, said of the award: “Preserving the opportunity for traditional troop camping at Camp Pow Low is a goal of our Girl Scout Outdoor Experience.  Replacing our decades old platform tents is a priority and brings us closer to that goal. Thank you for this investment that takes our members to camp, gives them the chance to learn outdoor skills, and encourages them to reach for the stars.”

Finally, TruNorth has granted $1,000 to Hope Free Evangelical Lutheran Church’s Community Ministry. This funding will support the monthly Community Dinner hosted by the church, as well as supporting their food pantry.

We would like to thank TruNorth Credit Union for the $1,000 grant to Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church.  It will help us to serve the community, both through the monthly community dinner and our food pantry.  Thank you again for selecting our community ministry to receive the grant,” said Joseph Minier of the ministry.’

“This program was initiated in 2017 to continue our support of our communities in a way that could enhance the lives of our membership and to build a strong community for long-term success,” said George Isola, General Manager of TruNorth. The Community Grant Program committee accepts applications from community non-profit organizations working to improve the quality of life for local residents and build strong communities within TruNorth Federal Credit Union’s field of membership.


2018 recipient, Girl Scout’s Camp Pow Low