Introduction

Driven by Purpose. Powered by Community.

The Community Choice Foundation is committed to the Give Big philosophy of creating a sustained and lasting impact on people’s lives by supporting local causes and nonprofit organizations in communities where our members and team members live, work, and play. In 2025, through the generosity of our members, team members, and partners, we made a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families across the communities we serve.

This 2025 Annual Report highlights the difference we’ve made — together.

Thank you for being part of our mission and helping us build stronger communities.

By the Numbers

Our Impact

13,359

Volunteer
Hours
$

100,000

In Scholarships Awarded

3,200

Boxes of Cereal Donated

450

Team Members Volunteered
$

5,000

In Financial Literacy Grants

1,000

Hygiene Kits Assembled & Donated
$

54,336

Given by Donors and Sponsors

93

Member Volunteers

1,000

Books & PJs Donated

735

Volunteer Opportunities

3,200

Backpacks Given Away

Patrice Daniels, Cass Technical High School

Patrice is launching “Financeville,” a project-based financial literacy program for high school students. Starting as a classroom economy in 9th grade and expanding by 11th grade, students will explore budgeting, earning, and spending through immersive roles that mirror adult financial responsibilities.

Cash for Classrooms

Supporting Financial Literacy in Schools

In 2025, Community Choice Credit Union’s Cash for Classrooms teacher grant program continued to support educators across the state who bring financial education to the classroom in a multitude of creative, hands-on ways.

This annual initiative awards ten $500 grants to Michigan K-12 educators. This year, we received a record-breaking 510 applications, showcasing the strong demand among educators for resources that help students understand money management in real life.

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Give Big, Give Backpacks & Cereal Drive

Helping Students by Giving Big

Each summer, Community Choice Credit Union Foundation rallies team members, members, and community and business partners to support students and families as they prepare for the school year. Through the Give Big, Give Backpacks & Cereal Drive, volunteers worked together to address both educational and food insecurity, two critical needs that can shape a child’s success in the classroom.

In 2025, the drive delivered 3,200 backpacks filled with school supplies and 3,200 boxes of cereal to families across Michigan. The impact was further expanded through $2,062 in business sponsorships, helping the initiative reach more communities statewide. Together, these efforts ensured students started the year equipped with the tools and nourishment they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

Give Big, Give Backpacks & Cereal Drive

Helping Students by Giving Big

Each summer, Community Choice Credit Union Foundation rallies team members, members, and community and business partners to support students and families as they prepare for the school year. Through the Give Big, Give Backpacks & Cereal Drive, volunteers worked together to address both educational and food insecurity, two critical needs that can shape a child’s success in the classroom.

In 2025, the drive delivered 3,200 backpacks filled with school supplies and 3,200 boxes of cereal to families across Michigan. The impact was further expanded through $2,062 in business sponsorships, helping the initiative reach more communities statewide. Together, these efforts ensured students started the year equipped with the tools and nourishment they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

Group of volunteers wearing “We Give Big” shirts smile and wave during a community service event in Michigan.
Give Big Month

A Record-Breaking September of Service

Each September, Community Choice Credit Union unites team members and members across Michigan for Give Big Month, our organization-wide volunteer campaign focused on hands-on service and community partnerships. In 2025, the month delivered 2,035 volunteer hours, the highest total in program history, supporting 48 projects and nonprofit partners statewide, including:

  • Disability Connections in Jackson
  • Focus: HOPE in Metro Detroit
  • Kids’ Food Basket
  • Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Learn more
Member Volunteer Program

Making an Impact Together

In 2025, 93 member volunteers partnered with team members to serve communities throughout the state. This collective effort reflects our shared commitment to making a difference. Each hour volunteering helped strengthen local communities and reinforce the power of working together.

We are deeply grateful to our members who share our passion for Giving Big. Their commitment to service is essential to our impact, and the Member Volunteer Program provides a meaningful way for members to join the Community Choice Foundation in bringing the Give Big spirit to life.

Become a Member Volunteer and explore the ways to Give Big with us in your community and to the causes you care about most.

Sign up
Volunteers assemble a wooden bed frame outdoors, working together with tools during a hands-on community service project.

In 2025, 93 member volunteers partnered with team members to serve communities throughout the state. This collective effort reflects our shared commitment to making a difference. Each hour volunteering helped strengthen local communities and reinforce the power of working together.

We are deeply grateful to our members who share our passion for Giving Big. Their commitment to service is essential to our impact, and the Member Volunteer Program provides a meaningful way for members to join the Community Choice Foundation in bringing the Give Big spirit to life.

Become a Member Volunteer and explore the ways to Give Big with us in your community and to the causes you care about most.

Sign up
Volunteers assemble a wooden bed frame outdoors, working together with tools during a hands-on community service project.

Thornell Billingslea

A veteran leader supporting fellow service members with food, housing, and stability.

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Steve Thompson

A conservation advocate preserving natural spaces for families and children along Muskegon Lake.

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Ida Akoto-Wiafe

A Foundation scholarship recipient who turned gratitude into action by serving children and underserved communities.

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Collage of diverse student headshots surrounding a “Scholarship Winners” graphic celebrating Community Choice Foundation scholarship recipients.
Scholarship Program

Celebrating 26 Scholars

In 2025, the Community Choice Foundation awarded $100,000 in scholarships to 26 outstanding Michigan students, bringing our program total to $1.7 million scholarships awarded to 371 scholars since 2009. Scholarships were distributed across three categories, graduating high school seniors, continuing education students, and those pursuing skilled trades – reflecting Community Choice’s belief that strong communities are built through many educational pathways.

These 26 scholars, selected from more than 1,500 applicants, represent a powerful cross-section of Michigan’s future, with aspirations spanning healthcare, education, STEM, skilled trades, social work, sustainability, and community advocacy. We extend our deepest gratitude to the donors who helped make this program a lasting investment. Congratulations!

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Statewide Impact

Fighting Food Insecurity Across Michigan

Food insecurity was a critical focus in 2025, and Community Choice responded with both volunteer support and $500 grants to trusted nonprofit partners. Organizations including Forgotten Harvest, Gleaners, Jackson Community Food Pantry, Kids’ Food Basket, and Lakeshore Food Rescue received funding and hands-on assistance to help meet growing demand.

Large group of volunteers pose around a newly built garden bed in a residential yard, supporting food access and community gardening efforts.

Lace Up Shoe Drive

The Lace Up Shoe Drive combined environmental stewardship with community support. Team members collected 1,059 pairs of gently used shoes, keeping them out of landfills while extending their life for others in need. The initiative raised $480 for the Community Choice Foundation, helping fuel future community programs.

Give Big, Give Blood 

In 2025, Community Choice team members came together to meet one of the most urgent needs in our communities: access to life-saving blood donations. Through our Give Big, Give Blood initiative, donations helped impact up to 100 lives. This effort reflects our commitment to showing up when it matters most—turning a few hours of service into potentially life-saving outcomes for Michigan families.

Hygiene Kits

Community Choice team members assembled 1,000 hygiene kits, providing essential items to individuals and families facing housing instability and crisis. The kits were delivered to non-profit partners — HAVEN Oakland, WAVE Project, Kent School Services Network, AWARE, Inc., and the West Michigan Veteran Assistance Program.

PJs & Pages Drive

Bedtime became brighter for families across the state thanks to the PJs & Pages Drive. Team members donated more than 1,000 brand-new children’s pajamas and books, supporting literacy, comfort, and routine for young children. Donations were distributed through four nonprofit partners: Embrace Books (Muskegon), Making Spirits Bright (Metro Detroit), Hope Pkgs (Holland), and Family Service & Children’s Aid (Jackson).

Sleep in Heavenly Peace: Bedding Drive & Bed Build 

Safe, comfortable sleep is foundational for a child’s well-being, and in 2025, Community Choice helped make that possible for more families. Through our partnership with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, team members donated 63 bedding items and assisted in building 100 beds for children in need. Together, these efforts ensured children across Michigan had a proper place to sleep, supporting healthier routines, learning, and growth. 

Volunteers wearing “Giving Big, Giving Back” shirts stand together after building beds for children during a community bed build event in Michigan.
Donor Recognition

A Heartfelt Thank You to All of Our Donors

In 2025 more than 320 individuals and businesses generously donated to the Community Choice Foundation. These donations came in a variety of ways and prove that every dollar can make a difference.

Make Change Happen

Each of our member centers feature a Giving Bowl in the lobby, offering a simple way to donate by dropping in your spare change. You can also talk with our team members to make a donation from your Community Choice Credit Union account or set up a recurring donation.

Support Us When You Shop!

Earn rewards for the Foundation every time you shop with your Kroger Plus card. Sign up for Kroger Community Rewards and select Community Choice Foundation. With each shopping trip, Kroger will donate a percentage of your total purchase amount to the Foundation.

Make Change Happen

Each of our member centers feature a Giving Bowl in the lobby, offering a simple way to donate by dropping in your spare change. You can also talk with our team members to make a donation from your Community Choice Credit Union account or set up a recurring donation.

Support Us When You Shop!

Earn rewards for the Foundation every time you shop with your Kroger Plus card. Sign up for Kroger Community Rewards and select Community Choice Foundation. With each shopping trip, Kroger will donate a percentage of your total purchase amount to the Foundation.

Give Anytime from Anywhere

Your generosity powers local non-profits and community programs, making a meaningful impact. Donate today and help create lasting change.

Donate today
Foundation Trustees

Rob Bava

Trustee

Jennifer Hurren

Trustee

Bill Clancy

Trustee

Dan Munro

Trustee

Kelli Wisner-Frank

Trustee

Donna Siejutt

Trustee

Rob Bava

Trustee

Bill Clancy

Trustee

Kelli Wisner-Frank

Trustee

Jennifer Hurren

Trustee

Dan Munro

Trustee

Donna Siejutt

Trustee

Visit our website to learn more about the Community Choice Foundation and ways to get involved. You can also reach out directly through email for any questions or to start making a difference today.

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