Help Homeless Youth: Donate to the 3rd Annual Giving Tree - Going on Now Through 12/31! Benefiting
Hope4Youth & Avenues 4 Youth. Learn More.
Upcoming Early Close & Holiday Hours: All AHCU Branches, Including the Contact Center, will
Close at 5:00PM on Wednesday, 12/20 for an All Staff Meeting.
Additionally, in Observance of Christmas, All Branches Will be Closed on Monday, 12/25.All Holiday Hours
The Anoka Hennepin Credit Union Spirit Foundation supports local organizations which provide
safety, health, nourishment, education, or inspiration to young adults in local communities.
About Us
In 2016, Anoka Hennepin Credit Union incorporated the Spirit Foundation. It is a 501(c)(3)
non-profit organization whose program supports extra-curricular programs at eight local high
schools and other youth-focused organizations in the area.
“AHCU was inspired by our members to do more,” AHCU CEO Jeff Claussen said
regarding the motivation for creating the foundation. “Ultimately, the mission of the AHCU
Spirit Foundation is to provide resources to high schools and community groups to help local
kids pursue their dreams. We don’t want dreams or vital programs to end simply because they cost
too much.”
Programs at Andover, Anoka, Blaine, Centennial, Champlin, Coon Rapids, Forest Lake and St.
Francis high schools are specifically supported, however the foundation is focused on making
sustainable and long-term effort to assist all youth-based, local community programs.
Go the the Get
Involved tab for more information about fundraising with the AHCU Spirit Foundation
using the no-fee giving platform, NetGiver.
To support the AHCU Spirit Foundation with a no - fee donation using NetGiver, click
below.
The Anoka Hennepin Credit Union Spirit Foundation supports local organizations which provide safety,
health, nourishment, education, or inspiration to young adults in local communities. The Spirit
Foundation envisions that if young adults have those basic needs met they will be free to discover and
achieve their dreams, no matter what those dreams may be.
In addition, the Spirit Foundation offers support to youth focused organizations, including local
high schools, youth groups, mission organizations, addiction programs, food shelves, and others. That
support may include financial support, financial education classes, awareness campaigns, or volunteer
work on behalf of selected organizations.
Executing Our Mission
Scholarships
Anoka Hennepin Credit Union offers eight financial scholarships ranging from $500.00 to
$1,000.00, depending if their high school participates in AHCU's SPIRIT programs.
SPIRIT Checking
The AHCU Spirit Debit Card can accompany any checking account AHCU offers. When the card is
used, AHCU donates 5% of debit card transaction fees to the AHCU Spirit Foundation. This
donation is then given to participating high schools to reduce student activity costs, so that
all students can participate in healthy school activities.
The current participating schools include:
Anoka
Centennial
Andover
Blaine
Coon Rapids
Forest Lake
Champlin Park
An ISD 11( Anoka Hennepin School District) card is also available.
Fundraising
The Spirit Foundation is a fundraiser for community schools. It celebrates
high school students by raising funds for extra-curricular activities at local high schools. It’s
also a family-friendly program powered by students, teachers, volunteers, donors, families, and
friends. Beginning in August 2021, AHCU will provide fee-free giving with the NetGiver app.
The holiday season is exciting and magical in so many ways, but for the over 6,000 youth facing
homelessness in Minnesota on any given night - it may feel nothing like that. That's why we hope to
count on you again this year as our 3rd Annual Giving Tree fundraiser kicks off on Wednesday, November
1st. We are collecting donations again for Hope4Youth & Avenues
for Youth, which support homeless youth in our communities.
Donations will be accepted at any of our five branches from November 1st - December 31st. We have a
list below of their top needs. Monetary donations will also be accepted.
Top Needs Requests (new items only):
NEW Women’s Yoga Pants (L-3X)
NEW Sweatpants (XS – 3X)
NEW Hoodies and Sweatshirts (S-3X)
Gas Gift cards
Target Gift cards
Walmart Gift cards
Reusable Water Bottles
Diapers (sizes 3, 4, 5, or 6) no Huggies please
Wet Wipes
Hand Warmers
Body & Face Wash
Wireless Headphones
Bluetooth Speakers
Cell Phone Chargers
Charging Bricks for Phones
Tablets
Emergency Car Kits
Please reach out with any questions by phone at 763.422.0290, in a branch, or using AHCUface2face.
Thank You AHCU Members!
Through your dedication to supporting local student by using your Spirit Debit Card, 5% of the
transaction fees were awarded in 2023 to local schools allowing students the opportunity to
participate in healthy activities.
2023 Frozen Classic
Each year, the foundation joins together at Topgolf with supporters from the credit union industry.
With over 71 registered golfers spanning 13 credit unions, the MN Credit Union Network & 12 vendors,
the Spirit Foundation received over $21,000 in contribution. These donations help make student
scholarships available as well as help local activity boosters through the school year.
Thank you Sponsors!
Modern Giving
for better booster club fundraising!
The AHCU Spirit Foundation supports local fundraising using the no-fee giving platform,
NetGiverwhich ensures 100% of a donation reaches your
booster club!
No fees on donations, increased ease of use, all on a convenient mobile or desktop
platform.
Why NetGiver?
Did you know that an average of 7% of a donor's gift is lost in every donation? NetGiver is
different.
When using NetGiver provided by AHCU, donors can give freely and confidently to your booster club
knowing that 100% of the donation reaches the club. There is no cost to you or the
donor for using NetGiver.
SHOW SUPPORT FOR ANY NONPROFIT.
Gain support for your booster club from the student's friends and family, with ease from one app.
ALL DONATIONS, ONE LOCATION
Less worrying, more giving, NetGiver tracks the donations you've received and and donations can
be made in a matter of seconds!
SAFE AND SECURE
Feel confident when you ask others to give. What matters to you, matters to us, and the charitable
gifts you receive are supported by AHCU.
WORKING TOGETHER
At a time where so many of our neighbors and friends are facing new challenges, AHCU and credit unions
across Minnesota are coming together to do what credit unions do best: support our community!
What Your Club Gets:
100% FEE-FREE DONATIONS:
No fees on donations, increased ease of use, all on a convenient mobile or desktop platform.
Downloading is easy from the app store.
OPTIONAL MARKETING MATERIALS
Communicating with your donors is an important component of your development initiatives. We’ve
created a few pieces of collateral for your organization to use when sharing the opportunity for 100%
donations. Please feel free to click on the assets below
to download and distribute.
DASHBOARD & ANALYTICS
Track your progress as often as you want and provide up-to-date information at booster club meetings or
through your regular update emails.
Connect Using Instant Authentication With Your AHCUdigital Credentials:
One way to verify your account is by providing the username and password that you use for
AHCUdigital. NetGiver uses Plaid to
verify your account information. You will be prompted to add your AHCUdigital username and
password (or other identifying information) after you have selected Anoka Hennepin Credit Union.
If you’re having any trouble with this, the best thing to do will be to reach out to AHCU. Alternatively, follow the directions for
Micro Deposits below.
Connect Using Micro Deposits With Your AHCU Account Information:
When prompted, search for AHCU, but do not select it. Scroll to the bottom of the
screen and select “Link with Account Numbers”.
Follow the process and supply the requested information. You will be sent two small deposits to your
AHCU account to verify ownership (these will be less than $1 each).
Micro Deposits take between 1-2 business days and appear as two separate items in your account.
You'll be able to check on the amounts by calling AHCU, looking at your online account activity or on your periodic
account statement.
Once you have these amounts, you can visit app.netgiverapp.com to continue the process and verify your
AHCU account.
Looking For More Information?
For parents or school ADs who have additional questions about using NetGiver and your club is an
already established 501(c)3., please complete the form below or reach out to:
Nicole Hesley
By Phone: 763.422.0290
By Email: nicole.hesley@ahcu.coop
At AHCU, we take the security of our members very seriously. We have encouraged you to
not share your online banking credentials with untrusted parties, and we continue to stand by
that. NetGiver is a charitable giving platform, trusted by AHCU so that we can support our
members in direct, fee-free donations to the nonprofits of your choice.
When enrolling in NetGiver, you will be asked to provide your AHCUdigital
username and password. NetGiver works with our online platform to provide a safe experience for
you, our members. We feel confident that our NetGiver partner takes every precaution to keep
your information secure and encourage you to read NetGiver’s privacy philosophy.
Download the NetGiver app for Apple® or Android™ mobile devices. Message and data rates
may apply. App Store® is a service mark of Apple® Inc. Google Play™ is a trademark of Google™
Inc.
Congratulations to Our 2023 Scholarship Recipients!
The AHCU Spirit Foundation is proud to announce the 2023 winners of
an academic scholarship:
school
Winner
Andover High School
Anna S.
Anoka High School
Bridgette B.
Centennial High School
Maxwell L.
Champlin High School
Kayvon R.
Coon Rapids High School
Sydnie Muir
St. Francis High School
Brady Johnson
Pictured: Anna S., Sydnie M., Maxwell L., Kayvon R., & Brady J.
(not pictured: Bridgette B.)
Eligibility Requirements Include:
Primary membership at AHCU prior to applying for scholarship. You
must be a member in good standing and your membership
must be maintained through the award period. You are
eligible to become a member of AHCU if you live, work, worship, attend school or volunteer inAnoka, Benton, Chisago, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs,
Pine, Ramsey, Sherburne and Washington Counties of Minnesota. Other requirements may
apply. You also qualify for membership if a family member is already a member.
Previous scholarship Award Winners and AHCU employees are not eligible to
apply.
which ensures 100% of a donation reaches your
booster club!
