2023 Connexus Cares Impact Report

A Message From Our President & CEO

ConnexusCares—thephilanthropicprogramatConnexusCreditUnion—achievedmany impressivemilestonesin2023,markingfiveyearsofimpactfulgivebackwithnew initiativesandagreaterreachthaneverbefore.Someofthemostnotablemilestonesin 2023included:

Thelaunchofaformalgrantapplicationprocess,whichallowsourteamtobetter understandtheneedsofourcommunitiesdirectlyfromthosewhoaredoingthework.

Realignmentofourstrategicareasofgivingtosupportevenmoreorganizationsthat aremakinganimpact.

Over5,000hoursofVolunteerTimeOffcompletedbyConnexusemployees—our highesttotaltodate.

Acommitmentof$120,000overthenextthreeyearstosupportmentalhealth initiativesintheschooldistrictofWausau,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.Weneverknowwhenatimeofcrisisorhardshipmightarise,butour non-profitpartnersarealwaysreadyandwillingtoanswerthecallforhelp—and ConnexusCaresiscommittedtomakingsurenon-profitsareabletocontinue answeringthosecallswellintothefuture.

IamexceedinglygratefulforthewaysinwhichourConnexusemployeesand communitypartnershavecontributedtotheConnexusCaresmissionoverthelast fiveyears.Theiractionsandsupporthavemadeitpossibletodrivemeaningful, positivechangeacrossthecountry,andIlookforwardtoseeinghowmuchfurther ourgivebackcanreachintheyearstocome.I’mproudtoservealongsidethem:our miracleworkers,ourchangeagents,andourhelpinghands.Thankyouforallyoudo.

Boyd Gustke Connexus Credit Union President & Chief Executive Officer

2023 Giving With Purpose

By the Numbers

Impacted more than 9 million lives 1

Empowered more than 700 Connexus employees by supporting their giveback priorities

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

Volunteered more than 5,000 hours with organizations transforming our communities

Self-reported by funded partners during grant application process 1

Putting

People First

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.

“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.”

We pursue meaningful connections with colleagues and our local communities.

Don S., Continuous Improvement

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.”

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)

Lifetime Impact

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

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.

See our giveback efforts in action!

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

“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)

Reflecting on 5 Years

Officially Launched

$60,000+ Donated to COVID Relief Efforts

1st Annual Season of Giving Campaign

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.

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

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

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

Raised Record Amount for American Cancer Society

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

Launched the Digital Grant Application

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

Most Impactful Season of Giving Campaign to Date

Voices of the Holiday

Season Launched

Redefined Strategic Giving Areas Employees Volunteer Record Number of Annual Hours (5,135)

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

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 .

Donation Matching

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

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.

“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

Engaged

66% of employees in volunteering efforts

Matched

$46,603 in employee donations

“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

Stacey M., Contact Center 2

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

“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

“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.”

Hardship Fund

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

Rib Mountain Branch Supply Drive

Distributed over $9,000 in Hardship Funds

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.

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

Connexusemployees invested274volunteer hours throughout theweek to assist with acceptinggoods donatedby Connexus members and employees. Together,we collected:

3,060 diapers

34pounds of diaperwipes

104 pounds ofhygiene items

150+ towels and washcloths

100+ additional craft supplies

30+ packs of markers, crayons, and colored pencils

Season of Giving

Caring Through the Holidays

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

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. Voices of

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

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.

$177,021 Donated

117 Non-Profits Supported

11,452 Lives Impacted

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.

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.

The People Behind the Purpose

Operations & Administration

Shantel Hessil Administrative Specialist

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

Volunteer & Engagement Committee

Olivia Budzynski Administrative Specialist

Darcy Edmunds Indirect Lending Underwriter

Tania Hargraves Email Marketing Specialist

Kaylee Harvey Senior Human Resources Business Partner

Linda Rosin Database Administrator

Jessi Towle Operational Educational Curriculum Manager

Jess VeVers Indirect Lending Underwriter

Shannon Wadinski Senior Talent Delivery 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.