UFCU’s Commitment to Higher Education Recognized with Philanthropy Award

Austin, TEXAS, March 12, 2020 — University Federal Credit Union’s longstanding commitment to education has earned it the prestigious Outstanding Philanthropic Large Corporation honor by the Association of Professional Fundraisers Greater Austin Chapter.

UFCU, Austin’s largest locally-owned financial institution, was nominated for the award by both The University of Texas and St. Edward’s University, with letters of support from other higher education partners including Concordia University. The award was presented yesterday at the annual Philanthropy Day awards luncheon.

In its nomination letter, UT traced UFCU’s commitment to faculty, staff, and students back to the credit union’s founding in 1936. “Established by UT faculty during the depression in order to provide financial assistance to a UT community in need, UFCU has since transformed Texas and beyond with its commitment to the people who power and are empowered by education,” the nomination noted. “UFCU leaders and employees have shaped and invested in advancement opportunities across our central Texas community and the state of Texas through their vision and recognition that education is a key economic engine — the key to driving growth and well-being.”

UFCU’s support includes UT Rec Sports programming, financial literacy education, the Neighborhood Longhorn Program, scholarships for first-generation college students and, most recently, a new Dell Medical School scholarship and leadership internship program.

St. Edward’s University President George E Martin, PhD, noted that, as that university’s most generous corporate donor, UFCU has invested more than $2.5 million in Austin’s future leaders by supporting capital projects, scholarships and student activities.

Likewise, Concordia University and UFCU have partnered on numerous collaborations. “UFCU is more than a funder, they are a long-term partner in supporting Concordia’s work to make higher education accessible to Central Texans,” said James Candido, Concordia University Texas vice president, philanthropy.

Since 1992, the Philanthropy Day event has been considered the “academy awards” of local philanthropy. UFCU joins a prestigious list of previous winners including Google, Applied Materials, Bank of America, Samsung Austin, and Whole Foods Market.Selection criteria included Integrity, Inclusion, Collaboration, Professionalism, and Uncrushable Optimism.

“To be nominated by our valued education partners, and chosen for this special honor among a community so dedicated to philanthropy, is humbling,” said UFCU President Tony Budet. “Supporting education is at the very core of our mission, and it is work that we believe is fundamental to a strong, vibrant community. We are fortunate to have these great centers of education right here in our backyard.”

About UFCU

As a Member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative, UFCU is passionate about changing lives and strengthening communities. With more than 316,000 Members in Central Texas and Galveston County and assets under management exceeding $3.2 billion, UFCU offers a variety of products, services, and education programs to empower Members in achieving financial health. To learn more, visit UFCU.org.