People helping people. That’s what being a credit union is all about. It’s no surprise that after 160 years, credit unions are still thriving with a mission focusing on community impact.
Each year, we support a variety of organizations that make a difference in our communities through the Arsenal Community Impact Fund. Since starting in 2020, we’ve awarded $69,900 to more than 30 local nonprofits. This year, we awarded an additional $15,000 to help nine more organizations serve others. What makes this fund even more meaningful is that it’s funded entirely by our employees, who are passionate about giving back to the communities we serve.
Meet this year’s Community Impact Fund grant recipients and learn how they’re using their funds to uplift others in the community. If a mission of one of the organizations below speaks to you, visit their website to learn how you can get involved.
The Ozark Food Pantry
- How much was awarded? $2,000
- Where are they located? Festus, MO
- What’s their mission? The organization is dedicated to providing healthy, nutritious food and essential items to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. In addition to direct support, they connect clients with other agencies that offer specialized assistance. Operated entirely by volunteers, donated funds are directed toward serving those in need.
- What will they use the grant for? The funds will be used to purchase pallets of ham and turkey for holiday distribution, ensuring that underserved members of the community have access to festive meals during the season.
Visit their site
Cornerstone Center for Early Learning
- How much was awarded? $1,000
- Where are they located? St. Louis, MO
- What’s their mission? They are committed to nurturing confident young minds while providing meaningful support to families. Their programs foster early development in a safe, inclusive environment that empowers both children and caregivers.
- What will they use the grant for? The grant will be used to purchase infant formula and baby food for children under the age of one during their time at the center, ensuring that the youngest participants receive essential nutrition while on-site.
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Delta Economic Development Corporation
- How much was awarded? $1,500
- Where are they located? East St. Louis, IL
- What’s their mission? Strengthen the community through basic needs and community support, community empowerment and advocacy, fiscal stewardship and partnership, educational advancement, economic mobility and opportunity.
- What will they use the grant for? Funds from the grant will support the distribution of food to residents in the Southend Neighborhood in East St. Louis, IL to provide meals around the holidays.
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Flance Early Learning Center
- How much was awarded? $1,500
- Where are they located? St. Louis, MO
- What’s their mission? Provides excellence by education and nurturing young children, supporting families and strengthening the community. Their vision is to create a new paradigm in early childhood education that will serve as a model for creating systemic change for children and families.
- What will they use the grant for? Grant funds will be used for their annual Flancegiving feast held in November that is open to all students, their families and Flance’s employees. The meals are prepared in-house and served by volunteers. For some families, these are the only Thanksgiving-style meals they will enjoy this holiday season.
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Mighty Oaks Heart Foundation
- How much was awarded? $2,000
- Where are they located? St. Louis, MO
- What’s their mission? Support families of children diagnosed with congenital heart defects financially, emotionally and in ways unique to their needs.
- What will they use the grant for? Grant funds will be used to purchase arts and craft kits for the Heart Family Art Program. The program creates therapeutic, developmentally appropriate activities that aim to enhance the hospital experience for children, strengthen family bonds and create moments of joy.
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Climate and Culture Changers
- How much was awarded? $2,000
- Where are they located? Bridgeton, MO
- What’s their mission? Build collaborative communities by addressing social determinants of health such as isolation, ageism and lack of access to digital tools. This is done through educational workshops, mentorship programs and wellness initiatives. They empower individuals of all ages to learn from and support one another.
- What will they use the grant for? Funds will be used to purchase and build wellness baskets filled with hygiene products, healthy snacks and handwritten intergenerational care cards from youth volunteers. They will also cover the costs of training for volunteers and delivery costs.
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Paraquad
- How much was awarded? $1,000
- Where are they located? St. Louis, MO
- What’s their mission? Champions equity and independence for people with disabilities through services, partnerships, education and advocacy.
- What will they use the grant for? Funds will be used to provide living skills and self-advocacy training to youth aged 10-19 who are living with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) during an overnight camping event. The goal is to help individuals gain social and independent skills and achieve a sense of community connectedness.
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Pink Ribbon Good
- How much was awarded? $2,000
- Where are they located? St. Louis, MO
- What’s their mission? Supports individuals and families affected by breast and gynecological cancers by providing free healthy meals, transportation to treatment, housing essentials and peer support. They offer practical help and emotional support to promote healing and hope.
- What will they use the grant for? Funds will be used to provide 200 healthy meals to breast and gynecological cancer patients and their families in the STL region. For 8-24 weeks, based on clients’ cancer type and treatment needs, three meals for every person in the household will be delivered directly to the homes. Each meal costs an average of $10.
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Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
- How much was awarded? $2,000
- Where are they located? St. Louis, MO
- What’s their mission? To end drunk and drugged driving, support victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking and other drug use.
- What will they use the grant for? The funds will be used to support attendance at the MADD St. Louis annual Heroes Banquet, a formal plated dinner that brings victims, survivors, volunteers and community partners together. The banquet pays tribute to law enforcement officers who prevent impaired driving and save lives in Missouri. This evening is a meaningful opportunity for attendees to connect and heal and prevent future tragedies.
Visit their site
Applications for the Community Impact Fund are currently closed. Stay tuned for more information.
