2023 Connexus Cares Impact Report

Giving With Purpose

2023 Impact Report

Table of Contents A Message From Our President & CEO .............................................................................................................................................. 3 2023 Giving With Purpose: By the Numbers .................................................................................................................................. 4 Putting People First ................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Community Giveback: Outreach That Impacts Lives .............................................................................................................. 6-7 Reflecting on 5 Years of Giving ........................................................................................................................................................ 8-9 Employee Giveback in 2023: Connecting Staff to Their Communities ........................................................................ 10-11 Season of Giving: Caring Through the Holidays .......................................................................................................................... 12 The People Behind the Purpose .......................................................................................................................................................... 13 The Caring Continues ............................................................................................................................................................................... 13

A Message From Our President & CEO Connexus Cares—the philanthropic program at Connexus Credit Union—achieved many impressive milestones in 2023, marking five years of impactful giveback with new initiatives and a greater reach than ever before. Some of the most notable milestones in 2023 included:

The launch of a formal grant application process, which allows our team to better understand the needs of our communities directly from those who are doing the work.

Realignment of our strategic areas of giving to support even more organizations that are making an impact.

Over 5,000 hours of Volunteer Time Off completed by Connexus employees—our highest total to date.

A commitment of $120,000 over the next three years to support mental health initiatives in the school district of Wausau, WI. Being able to give back to charitable organizations is a great source of pride at Connexus, especially with the understanding of how desperately it’s needed under today’s economic conditions. We never know when a time of crisis or hardship might arise, but our non-profit partners are always ready and willing to answer the call for help—and Connexus Cares is committed to making sure non-profits are able to continue answering those calls well into the future.

I am exceedingly grateful for the ways in which our Connexus employees and community partners have contributed to the Connexus Cares mission over the last five years. Their actions and support have made it possible to drive meaningful, positive change across the country, and I look forward to seeing how much further our giveback can reach in the years to come. I’m proud to serve alongside them: our miracle workers, our change agents, and our helping hands. Thank you for all you do.

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COVER PHOTO: More than 100 employees gathered in Wausau, WI, for a Season of Giving in-person service activity

Boyd Gustke Connexus Credit Union President & Chief Executive Officer

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Table of Contents A Message From Our President & CEO .............................................................................................................................................. 3 2023 Giving With Purpose: By the Numbers .................................................................................................................................. 4 Putting People First ................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Community Giveback: Outreach That Impacts Lives .............................................................................................................. 6-7 Reflecting on 5 Years of Giving ........................................................................................................................................................ 8-9 Employee Giveback in 2023: Connecting Staff to Their Communities ........................................................................ 10-11 Season of Giving: Caring Through the Holidays .......................................................................................................................... 12 The People Behind the Purpose .......................................................................................................................................................... 13 The Caring Continues ............................................................................................................................................................................... 13

A Message From Our President & CEO Connexus Cares—the philanthropic program at Connexus Credit Union—achieved many impressive milestones in 2023, marking five years of impactful giveback with new initiatives and a greater reach than ever before. Some of the most notable milestones in 2023 included:

The launch of a formal grant application process, which allows our team to better understand the needs of our communities directly from those who are doing the work.

Realignment of our strategic areas of giving to support even more organizations that are making an impact.

Over 5,000 hours of Volunteer Time Off completed by Connexus employees—our highest total to date.

A commitment of $120,000 over the next three years to support mental health initiatives in the school district of Wausau, WI. Being able to give back to charitable organizations is a great source of pride at Connexus, especially with the understanding of how desperately it’s needed under today’s economic conditions. We never know when a time of crisis or hardship might arise, but our non-profit partners are always ready and willing to answer the call for help—and Connexus Cares is committed to making sure non-profits are able to continue answering those calls well into the future.

I am exceedingly grateful for the ways in which our Connexus employees and community partners have contributed to the Connexus Cares mission over the last five years. Their actions and support have made it possible to drive meaningful, positive change across the country, and I look forward to seeing how much further our giveback can reach in the years to come. I’m proud to serve alongside them: our miracle workers, our change agents, and our helping hands. Thank you for all you do.

2

COVER PHOTO: More than 100 employees gathered in Wausau, WI, for a Season of Giving in-person service activity

Boyd Gustke Connexus Credit Union President & Chief Executive Officer

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Putting People First

2023 Giving With Purpose By the Numbers

In our effort to give back, we support and care for one another with a welcoming environment that nurtures our authentic selves. Connected and unified, we all belong and thrive.

Impacted more than 9 million lives

4

1

Empowered

Supported

Volunteered

more than 700 Connexus employees by supporting their giveback priorities

more than 320 local and national non-profit organizations in communities where employees and members live, serve, and thrive

more than 5,000 hours with organizations transforming our communities

1

Self-reported by funded partners during grant application process

“I love that Connexus encourages us to volunteer and give back to our community! It's not only a great way to get out there and do good, but this was also a great opportunity for us to get to know our fellow co-workers more."

Natasha F., Electronic Funds “When we started the volunteer work, there was an incredible energy and camaraderie in the air. Soon the adage "many hands make light work" proved true— the time flew by and we accomplished amazing things— working together for a common purpose to make a difference in the lives of others.”

Don S., Continuous Improvement

We pursue meaningful connections with colleagues and our local communities.

We create and support inclusive environments where everyone can be their authentic self.

We care for one another and help each other thrive.

We demonstrate the “we” rather than “me.”

5

Putting People First

2023 Giving With Purpose By the Numbers

In our effort to give back, we support and care for one another with a welcoming environment that nurtures our authentic selves. Connected and unified, we all belong and thrive.

Impacted more than 9 million lives

4

1

Empowered

Supported

Volunteered

more than 700 Connexus employees by supporting their giveback priorities

more than 320 local and national non-profit organizations in communities where employees and members live, serve, and thrive

more than 5,000 hours with organizations transforming our communities

1

Self-reported by funded partners during grant application process

“I love that Connexus encourages us to volunteer and give back to our community! It's not only a great way to get out there and do good, but this was also a great opportunity for us to get to know our fellow co-workers more."

Natasha F., Electronic Funds “When we started the volunteer work, there was an incredible energy and camaraderie in the air. Soon the adage "many hands make light work" proved true— the time flew by and we accomplished amazing things— working together for a common purpose to make a difference in the lives of others.”

Don S., Continuous Improvement

We pursue meaningful connections with colleagues and our local communities.

We create and support inclusive environments where everyone can be their authentic self.

We care for one another and help each other thrive.

We demonstrate the “we” rather than “me.”

5

Our corporate philanthropy program focuses on six strategic areas of giving to support the greatest needs in our communities: At-Risk Populations, Community Wellbeing, Food Insecurity, Housing Insecurity, Mental & Physical Health, and National Charities.

Community Giveback Outreach That Impacts Lives “We are getting tremendous feedback from patient families regarding the space. They appreciate the design that allows parents to stay with their children. Thank you and Connexus for your continued support—you are part of the reason this resource is available!”

Children’s Minnesota Mental Health Inpatient Unit (MN)

“Since being at Avenues I have a better head on my shoulders, take care of business the way I need to, and get guidance as I become an adult.”

Client, Avenues for Youth (MN)

“We are so grateful for the support that Connexus Cares has provided us throughout the years. On several occasions we were at a loss of how we would be able to provide, and you came through with assistance. We are thankful and proud to call you a hunger partner.”

Peyton’s Promise (WI)

6

Lifetime Impact To date, the Connexus Cares philanthropy program has donated more than $11 million to community organizations.

At-Risk Populations

Capital Campaigns

$1.8 million+

$850,000+

Connexus Employee Giveback Programs

Community Wellbeing

$400,000+

$330,000+

Food Insecurity

Housing Insecurity

$1.6 million+

$1.5 million+

Mental & Physical Health

National Charities & Sponsorships

$400,000+

$4.5 million+

See our giveback efforts in action!

Watch the video at ConnexusCU.org/Connexus-Cares or scan the QR code.

The Heritage Credit Union Legacy Fund, established as part of the merger between Heritage Credit Union and Connexus Credit Union, will donate $1.75 million over three years to qualified organizations operating in communities formerly served by Heritage Credit Union.

In 2023, the Connexus Cares Committee directed the distribution of $500,000 through the Heritage Credit Union Legacy Fund.

“Thank you all so much for this generous grant. Our numbers have jumped significantly this month, so you don’t know how much this money is needed and appreciated! Thank you so very much for choosing us!”

FISH of Galesburg (IL)

7

Our corporate philanthropy program focuses on six strategic areas of giving to support the greatest needs in our communities: At-Risk Populations, Community Wellbeing, Food Insecurity, Housing Insecurity, Mental & Physical Health, and National Charities.

Community Giveback Outreach That Impacts Lives “We are getting tremendous feedback from patient families regarding the space. They appreciate the design that allows parents to stay with their children. Thank you and Connexus for your continued support—you are part of the reason this resource is available!”

Children’s Minnesota Mental Health Inpatient Unit (MN)

“Since being at Avenues I have a better head on my shoulders, take care of business the way I need to, and get guidance as I become an adult.”

Client, Avenues for Youth (MN)

“We are so grateful for the support that Connexus Cares has provided us throughout the years. On several occasions we were at a loss of how we would be able to provide, and you came through with assistance. We are thankful and proud to call you a hunger partner.”

Peyton’s Promise (WI)

6

Lifetime Impact To date, the Connexus Cares philanthropy program has donated more than $11 million to community organizations.

At-Risk Populations

Capital Campaigns

$1.8 million+

$850,000+

Connexus Employee Giveback Programs

Community Wellbeing

$400,000+

$330,000+

Food Insecurity

Housing Insecurity

$1.6 million+

$1.5 million+

Mental & Physical Health

National Charities & Sponsorships

$400,000+

$4.5 million+

See our giveback efforts in action!

Watch the video at ConnexusCU.org/Connexus-Cares or scan the QR code.

The Heritage Credit Union Legacy Fund, established as part of the merger between Heritage Credit Union and Connexus Credit Union, will donate $1.75 million over three years to qualified organizations operating in communities formerly served by Heritage Credit Union.

In 2023, the Connexus Cares Committee directed the distribution of $500,000 through the Heritage Credit Union Legacy Fund.

“Thank you all so much for this generous grant. Our numbers have jumped significantly this month, so you don’t know how much this money is needed and appreciated! Thank you so very much for choosing us!”

FISH of Galesburg (IL)

7

Reflecting on 5 Years of Giving

Since the inception of the Connexus employee Volunteer Time Off program, employees have provided more than 10,000 hours in community service.

$60,000+ Donated to COVID Relief Efforts

Officially Launched

Employee Volunteer Time Off (VTO) Program Returned After COVID Pandemic

Three-Year Funding Commitment to Student Mental Health Programming (Wausau, WI School District)

Launched the Digital Grant Application

Most Impactful Season of Giving Campaign to Date

2019

2019

2020

2021

2021

2021

2022

2022

2023

2023

2023

2023

2023

2023

JANUARY

NOVEMBER

APRIL

MARCH

SEPTEMBER

DECEMBER

MARCH

NOVEMBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

JULY

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

1st Annual Season of Giving Campaign

8

$125,000 Committed to Feeding Our Communities with United Services (Wisconsin Rapids, WI)

Connexus Cares partnered with the Wausau School District to address mental health issues among students through a multi-year, unrestricted grant totaling $120,000. Learn more about this important effort at ConnexusCU.org/Media-Center.

Community Partners Campus brings together human service organizations and non-profit partners who provide food, shelter, medical, mental health, and social wellbeing services to the Greater Wausau, WI, area.

$1M Committed to Community Partners Campus (Wausau, WI)

Raised Record Amount for American Cancer Society

Voices of the Holiday Season Launched

Redefined Strategic Giving Areas

Connexus employees have the opportunity to lend their voices in support of nonprofit organizations that impact them personally. After an employee vote, the top nominations receive a seasonal donation. To date, $150,000 has been donated through this effort.

Hosted the First "Stronger Together" Community Celebration

Employees Volunteer Record Number of Annual Hours (5,135)

9

Reflecting on 5 Years of Giving

Since the inception of the Connexus employee Volunteer Time Off program, employees have provided more than 10,000 hours in community service.

$60,000+ Donated to COVID Relief Efforts

Officially Launched

Employee Volunteer Time Off (VTO) Program Returned After COVID Pandemic

Three-Year Funding Commitment to Student Mental Health Programming (Wausau, WI School District)

Launched the Digital Grant Application

Most Impactful Season of Giving Campaign to Date

2019

2019

2020

2021

2021

2021

2022

2022

2023

2023

2023

2023

2023

2023

JANUARY

NOVEMBER

APRIL

MARCH

SEPTEMBER

DECEMBER

MARCH

NOVEMBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

JULY

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

1st Annual Season of Giving Campaign

8

$125,000 Committed to Feeding Our Communities with United Services (Wisconsin Rapids, WI)

Connexus Cares partnered with the Wausau School District to address mental health issues among students through a multi-year, unrestricted grant totaling $120,000. Learn more about this important effort at ConnexusCU.org/Media-Center.

Community Partners Campus brings together human service organizations and non-profit partners who provide food, shelter, medical, mental health, and social wellbeing services to the Greater Wausau, WI, area.

$1M Committed to Community Partners Campus (Wausau, WI)

Raised Record Amount for American Cancer Society

Voices of the Holiday Season Launched

Redefined Strategic Giving Areas

Connexus employees have the opportunity to lend their voices in support of nonprofit organizations that impact them personally. After an employee vote, the top nominations receive a seasonal donation. To date, $150,000 has been donated through this effort.

Hosted the First "Stronger Together" Community Celebration

Employees Volunteer Record Number of Annual Hours (5,135)

9

Employee Giveback in 2023 Connecting Staff to Their Communities Volunteer Efforts Connexus employees invested 5,135 volunteer hours in the communities where they live, work, and serve, amounting to an average of over $163,000 in economic value for our non-profit partners 2.

Donation Matching Connexus’ corporate donationmatching program (up to $5,000 per employee) helped to support 125 non-profit organizations.

Engaged 66% of employees in volunteering efforts

Matched $46,603 in employee donations

Pop-Up Activities In 2023, the Volunteer & Engagement Committee coordinated 55 pop-up volunteer opportunities with non-profit partners including Habitat for Humanity, The Neighbors’ Place, Monk Botanical Gardens, and the United Way. “I really enjoy having these pre-planned VTO activities. It was nice to have a group of Connexus employees together from various departments so we could meet different people face-to-face.” Makenzie W., Asset Recovery

10

2 Based on data available through the Independent Sector with the Do Good Institute

“We spent time at Blessings in a Backpack. We helped provide 1,530 school-aged children with nourishment they otherwise wouldn’t have had. We made a difference today.”

Jenny F., Marketing

Hardship Fund The Hardship Fund program enables Connexus Cares to help Connexus employees who need assistance to recover from a catastrophic disaster or emergency.

“I was blessed with the opportunity to serve the spouses of the veterans going on the honor flight, during a luncheon.

It was nice to hear stories they shared and how appreciative they all were.”

Connie H., Member Services

Rib Mountain Branch Supply Drive In July 2023, Connexus Credit Union celebrated the opening of our new Rib Mountain branch with a supply drive that benefitted The Neighbors’ Place, The Babies’ Place, and Wellington Place.

“I volunteered at my local animal shelter. I got the kennels ready for the new cat intakes. They were very appreciative and it felt really great to help animals in need.”

Samantha S., Account Servicing “Adopting-A-Family was a great way to get in the holiday spirit and help a family in need this holiday season. We hope to make this an annual tradition.”

Electronic Funds Team “I volunteered at the Atlanta Community Food Bank. It was a great experience to work with the staff and other volunteers to help out and meet the families who live in that community.”

Stacey M., Contact Center

Distributed over $9,000 in Hardship Funds

Members who donated items were entered for a chance to be selected to receive a donation in their name to a charity of their choice. The following organizations each received $1,000: Humane Society of Marathon County Peyton’s Promise Junior Achievement of Wisconsin The Women’s Community Ronald McDonald House Charities of Marshfield Connexus employees invested 274 volunteer hours throughout the week to assist with accepting goods donated by Connexus members and employees.

Together, we collected: 3,060 diapers

150+ towels and washcloths

34 pounds of diaper wipes

100+ additional craft supplies

104 pounds of hygiene items

30+ packs of markers, crayons, and colored pencils

11

Employee Giveback in 2023 Connecting Staff to Their Communities Volunteer Efforts Connexus employees invested 5,135 volunteer hours in the communities where they live, work, and serve, amounting to an average of over $163,000 in economic value for our non-profit partners 2.

Donation Matching Connexus’ corporate donationmatching program (up to $5,000 per employee) helped to support 125 non-profit organizations.

Engaged 66% of employees in volunteering efforts

Matched $46,603 in employee donations

Pop-Up Activities In 2023, the Volunteer & Engagement Committee coordinated 55 pop-up volunteer opportunities with non-profit partners including Habitat for Humanity, The Neighbors’ Place, Monk Botanical Gardens, and the United Way. “I really enjoy having these pre-planned VTO activities. It was nice to have a group of Connexus employees together from various departments so we could meet different people face-to-face.” Makenzie W., Asset Recovery

10

2 Based on data available through the Independent Sector with the Do Good Institute

“We spent time at Blessings in a Backpack. We helped provide 1,530 school-aged children with nourishment they otherwise wouldn’t have had. We made a difference today.”

Jenny F., Marketing

Hardship Fund The Hardship Fund program enables Connexus Cares to help Connexus employees who need assistance to recover from a catastrophic disaster or emergency.

“I was blessed with the opportunity to serve the spouses of the veterans going on the honor flight, during a luncheon.

It was nice to hear stories they shared and how appreciative they all were.”

Connie H., Member Services

Rib Mountain Branch Supply Drive In July 2023, Connexus Credit Union celebrated the opening of our new Rib Mountain branch with a supply drive that benefitted The Neighbors’ Place, The Babies’ Place, and Wellington Place.

“I volunteered at my local animal shelter. I got the kennels ready for the new cat intakes. They were very appreciative and it felt really great to help animals in need.”

Samantha S., Account Servicing “Adopting-A-Family was a great way to get in the holiday spirit and help a family in need this holiday season. We hope to make this an annual tradition.”

Electronic Funds Team “I volunteered at the Atlanta Community Food Bank. It was a great experience to work with the staff and other volunteers to help out and meet the families who live in that community.”

Stacey M., Contact Center

Distributed over $9,000 in Hardship Funds

Members who donated items were entered for a chance to be selected to receive a donation in their name to a charity of their choice. The following organizations each received $1,000: Humane Society of Marathon County Peyton’s Promise Junior Achievement of Wisconsin The Women’s Community Ronald McDonald House Charities of Marshfield Connexus employees invested 274 volunteer hours throughout the week to assist with accepting goods donated by Connexus members and employees.

Together, we collected: 3,060 diapers

150+ towels and washcloths

34 pounds of diaper wipes

100+ additional craft supplies

104 pounds of hygiene items

30+ packs of markers, crayons, and colored pencils

11

Season of Giving Caring Through the Holidays

$177,021 Donated 117 Non-Profits Supported 11,452 Lives Impacted

The annual Season of Giving campaign provides support to programs with the greatest need during the holiday season.

The People Behind the Purpose Operations & Administration Shantel Hessil Administrative Specialist

Voices of the Holiday

VTO Challenge

Service Activities

Connexus employees nominated organizations to receive a donation up to $20,000. A $500 donation was given to each of the 43 nominees, with larger amounts awarded to the eight top-voted entries.

Connexus challenged employees to reach a total of 3,500 volunteer hours in 2023. In all, 360 employees volunteered their time, including 1,529 hours (30% of total hours) during the Season of Giving.

More than 125 employees came together over two events to create 300 tie blankets, 100 stuffed animals, and 1,500 holiday cards for senior citizens, deployed service members, veterans, and local families.

Krystle Okite Administrative Specialist Shannon Schoenberg Director, Employee Experience Bailey Sleeper Senior Corporate Giving Specialist

Advisory Committee Boyd Gustke President & CEO Jenny Fox Marketing Specialist Jessica Hoerter Employee Experience Specialist Claire Meney Senior Vice President, Member Experience Craig Stancher Director, Member Experience Lindsay Stromberg Vice President, Employee Operations & Experience Jenna Ullrich Member Experience Manager

Letter-Writing Campaign Employees composed 1,000 meaningful messages to deployed service members, their families, and emergency responders in a virtual letter-writing activity for Operation Gratitude.

12

Community Celebration

Giving Tuesday

The first “Stronger Together” event was held in October, bringing together more than 40 Wisconsin non-profits.

Attendees assembled 200 calm kits to support youth struggling with mental health.

On Giving Tuesday each November, all employee donation matches are doubled, up to $1,000.

Donations in 2023 totaled $54,277, more than doubling the amount raised in 2022.

Volunteer & Engagement Committee Olivia Budzynski Administrative Specialist Darcy Edmunds Indirect Lending Underwriter Tania Hargraves Email Marketing Specialist Kaylee Harvey Senior Human Resources Business Partner

The Caring Continues Reflecting on five years of purposeful giveback to our communities and all that 2023 offered, we are filled with gratitude for the support that’s been shared by our members, employees, and community partners. We are inspired by the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.

We will continue to give with purpose to the organizations working diligently in our communities to support those in need, and empower our employees in their personal giveback journeys.

To learn more about our philanthropic priorities, employee initiatives, and giveback activities, follow Connexus Credit Union on Facebook and LinkedIn, and visit our Connexus Cares webpage.

Linda Rosin Database Administrator Jessi Towle Operational Educational Curriculum Manager Jess VeVers Indirect Lending Underwriter Shannon Wadinski Senior Talent Delivery Business Partner ®

13

Season of Giving Caring Through the Holidays

$177,021 Donated 117 Non-Profits Supported 11,452 Lives Impacted

The annual Season of Giving campaign provides support to programs with the greatest need during the holiday season.

The People Behind the Purpose Operations & Administration Shantel Hessil Administrative Specialist

Voices of the Holiday

VTO Challenge

Service Activities

Connexus employees nominated organizations to receive a donation up to $20,000. A $500 donation was given to each of the 43 nominees, with larger amounts awarded to the eight top-voted entries.

Connexus challenged employees to reach a total of 3,500 volunteer hours in 2023. In all, 360 employees volunteered their time, including 1,529 hours (30% of total hours) during the Season of Giving.

More than 125 employees came together over two events to create 300 tie blankets, 100 stuffed animals, and 1,500 holiday cards for senior citizens, deployed service members, veterans, and local families.

Krystal Okite Administrative Specialist Shannon Schoenberg Director, Employee Experience Bailey Sleeper Senior Corporate Giving Specialist

Advisory Committee Boyd Gustke President & CEO Jenny Fox Marketing Specialist Jessica Hoerter Employee Experience Specialist Claire Meney Senior Vice President, Member Experience Craig Stancher Director, Member Experience Lindsay Stromberg Vice President, Employee Operations & Experience Jenna Ullrich Member Experience Manager

Letter-Writing Campaign Employees composed 1,000 meaningful messages to deployed service members, their families, and emergency responders in a virtual letter-writing activity for Operation Gratitude.

12

Community Celebration

Giving Tuesday

The first “Stronger Together” event was held in October, bringing together more than 40 Wisconsin non-profits.

Attendees assembled 200 calm kits to support youth struggling with mental health.

On Giving Tuesday each November, all employee donation matches are doubled, up to $1,000.

Donations in 2023 totaled $54,277, more than doubling the amount raised in 2022.

Volunteer & Engagement Committee Olivia Budzynski Administrative Specialist Darcy Edmunds Indirect Lending Underwriter Tania Hargraves Email Marketing Specialist Kaylee Harvey Senior Human Resources Business Partner

The Caring Continues Reflecting on five years of purposeful giveback to our communities and all that 2023 offered, we are filled with gratitude for the support that’s been shared by our members, employees, and community partners. We are inspired by the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.

We will continue to give with purpose to the organizations working diligently in our communities to support those in need, and empower our employees in their personal giveback journeys.

To learn more about our philanthropic priorities, employee initiatives, and giveback activities, follow Connexus Credit Union on Facebook and LinkedIn, and visit our Connexus Cares webpage.

Linda Rosin Database Administrator Jessi Towle Operational Educational Curriculum Manager Jess VeVers Indirect Lending Underwriter Shannon Wadinski Senior Talent Delivery Business Partner ®

13

Giving With Purpose

2023 Impact Report