OGDEN, Utah (April 22, 2026) — America First Credit Union earned a Best of State award for Corporate Giving, recognizing its ongoing investment in Utah communities.
The award honors organizations that demonstrate excellence, innovation and meaningful impact in their field. America First was recognized for its approach to charitable giving through the America First Charitable Foundation, which combines financial support, employee volunteerism and long-term community partnerships.
In 2025, the foundation supported more than 300 organizations across Utah and delivered targeted assistance to families and individuals facing both immediate and long-term needs. During the federal government shutdown, the foundation deployed $1 million in emergency food aid to help food banks meet unprecedented demand and continue serving families without interruption.
“This work is about showing up for people and communities in ways that matter to them,” said Thayne Shaffer, president and CEO of America First Credit Union. “We want those who need help to get it when they need it, so we focus on being consistent and responsive, and on supporting organizations that are making a real difference for Utah families.”
In addition to rapid-response efforts, the foundation’s ongoing programs address food security, education and financial stability. In 2025, those efforts included:
- $250,000 donated to the Utah Food Bank
- Support for 15 additional food banks and community pantries, contributing 7,620 pounds of food
- 121,346 diapers provided to the Utah Diaper Bank
- 20,000 weekend meal kits distributed through pantry pack initiatives
- $440,000 donated to Community Assistance Program partners
- 3,300 pairs of new shoes distributed through Warm the Soles
- 1,645 backpacks delivered to Utah students
- 21 teacher grants supporting classrooms statewide
- More than $75,000 in scholarships, including the state’s first dedicated special-needs scholarship of its kind
Employees also contributed more than 6,000 volunteer hours across 300 service projects, extending the credit union’s reach into communities statewide.
The Best of State award reflects the credit union philosophy of people helping people and underscores America First’s commitment to reinvesting in the communities it serves.
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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION
Founded in 1939, America First Credit Union has grown from a single branch serving military personnel and federal employees into one of the strongest and most progressive credit unions in the country. The credit union is the largest in Utah and has 117 locations across Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. It is also the fifth largest credit union in America with more than 1.5 million members, and the sixth largest in assets with more than $24 billion. America First Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative dedicated to building communities and helping members do more with their money. Learn more at americafirst.com.