Article | August
Wings Credit Union Foundation expands community impact with $250,000 investment in 360 Communities
August 18, 2026
APPLE VALLEY, Minn. – Wings Credit Union Foundation announced Tuesday a $250,000 commitment to 360 Communities. The gift will support the nonprofit organization's work to strengthen families, improve stability, and help individuals build brighter futures throughout the Twin Cities region.
"Strong communities are built when people have access to the support and resources they need to thrive," said Sarah Manes, Wings Credit Union director of philanthropic engagement. "Organizations like 360 Communities provide critical services that help individuals and families navigate challenges, achieve stability, and build brighter futures. Wings Credit Union Foundation is proud to invest in work that creates lasting impact across our local communities."
Wings Credit Union CEO Chad Graves further commented, “Continuing to engage in ways that strengthen our local roots, investment and care for community was a priority in our merger of equals. We are pleased to support 360 Communities and its important work.”
The investment, which will be distributed over three years, marks the Foundation's first major gift in Minnesota following the merger of Wings and Ent Credit Union on Jan. 1, 2026. As the merged credit union brings together decades of investment and impact in its local communities, the Foundation expands opportunities to support local nonprofits and community priorities.
"Wings Credit Union and its Foundation have been long-standing and reliable partners in strengthening our community, supporting 360 Communities through volunteerism, sponsorships, and generous investments in our mission," said Jeff Mortensen, 360 Communities President & CEO. “This transformational gift from the Wings Credit Union Foundation will help turn our vision for a new Lewis House shelter into reality, ensuring more survivors of domestic and sexual violence will have access to the safety, healing, and hope they deserve. We are deeply grateful for Wings Credit Union Foundation’s commitment to our community and to the families we serve.”
Wings' support for 360 Communities extends beyond this investment. The organization has previously partnered with 360 Communities through sponsorships and employee volunteer efforts, including support for the nonprofit's Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Luncheon and volunteer projects benefiting Lewis House, Dakota County's emergency shelter for victims of domestic and sexual violence.
Tuesday's “Gathering for Good” announcement event at Wings headquarters in Apple Valley brought together dozens of local community impact leaders. It also featured an interactive art experience led by Minnesota artist Anne Krocak. The completed artwork will be displayed at 360 Communities as a symbol of partnership, opportunity, and community investment.
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Media Note: A selection of photos from Tuesday's announcement event are attached for editorial use (credit: Wings Credit Union).
About 360 Communities
Founded more than 50 years ago, 360 Communities delivers safety and stability to about 26,000 individuals each year with services in over 40 locations, including a network of five food shelves, two resource centers, a sexual and domestic violence shelter, and three programs that support school success from birth through high school graduation.
360 Communities offers a full circle of support, connecting neighbors through an integrated network of programs, resources, and community partners. We meet our neighbors with respect, listening closely to their stories and working with their strengths to help them navigate the challenges that make each journey unique. By providing holistic support and vital referrals, 360 Communities helps stabilize crises and gives people the tools and foundation they need to build a brighter tomorrow. For more information, visit 360communities.org.
About Wings Credit Union Foundation
The Wings Credit Union Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people and communities thrive. Founded in 2010, the Foundation empowers individuals through education, financial well-being initiatives, scholarships, volunteerism, and support during times of need. Guided by the belief that opportunity should be within reach for everyone, the Foundation invests in programs and partnerships that strengthen communities across the Wings Credit Union service area, which primarily includes Colorado, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Florida, Georgia, and Michigan. For more information, visit WingsCU.com/Foundation.
About Wings Credit Union
Wings Credit Union and Ent Credit Union united in a merger of equals on Jan. 1, 2026, creating a stronger, member-focused financial cooperative serving nearly 1 million members with approximately $20 billion in assets. Wings operates with dual headquarters in Apple Valley, Minnesota, and Colorado Springs, Colorado.
As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, Wings offers robust digital banking capabilities and a full suite of financial solutions, including more than 90 physical service centers across several states. Wings is known for exceptional member service and invests in the communities it serves through philanthropy, education, and programs that support long-term financial well-being. Wings was recognized by Newsweek in its America’s Best Credit Unions 2026 list.
Wings is an Equal Housing Lender and Equal Opportunity Lender, federally insured by NCUA. Learn more at WingsCU.com.
"Strong communities are built when people have access to the support and resources they need to thrive," said Sarah Manes, Wings Credit Union director of philanthropic engagement. "Organizations like 360 Communities provide critical services that help individuals and families navigate challenges, achieve stability, and build brighter futures. Wings Credit Union Foundation is proud to invest in work that creates lasting impact across our local communities."
Wings Credit Union CEO Chad Graves further commented, “Continuing to engage in ways that strengthen our local roots, investment and care for community was a priority in our merger of equals. We are pleased to support 360 Communities and its important work.”
The investment, which will be distributed over three years, marks the Foundation's first major gift in Minnesota following the merger of Wings and Ent Credit Union on Jan. 1, 2026. As the merged credit union brings together decades of investment and impact in its local communities, the Foundation expands opportunities to support local nonprofits and community priorities.
"Wings Credit Union and its Foundation have been long-standing and reliable partners in strengthening our community, supporting 360 Communities through volunteerism, sponsorships, and generous investments in our mission," said Jeff Mortensen, 360 Communities President & CEO. “This transformational gift from the Wings Credit Union Foundation will help turn our vision for a new Lewis House shelter into reality, ensuring more survivors of domestic and sexual violence will have access to the safety, healing, and hope they deserve. We are deeply grateful for Wings Credit Union Foundation’s commitment to our community and to the families we serve.”
Wings' support for 360 Communities extends beyond this investment. The organization has previously partnered with 360 Communities through sponsorships and employee volunteer efforts, including support for the nonprofit's Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Luncheon and volunteer projects benefiting Lewis House, Dakota County's emergency shelter for victims of domestic and sexual violence.
Tuesday's “Gathering for Good” announcement event at Wings headquarters in Apple Valley brought together dozens of local community impact leaders. It also featured an interactive art experience led by Minnesota artist Anne Krocak. The completed artwork will be displayed at 360 Communities as a symbol of partnership, opportunity, and community investment.
###
Media Note: A selection of photos from Tuesday's announcement event are attached for editorial use (credit: Wings Credit Union).
About 360 Communities
Founded more than 50 years ago, 360 Communities delivers safety and stability to about 26,000 individuals each year with services in over 40 locations, including a network of five food shelves, two resource centers, a sexual and domestic violence shelter, and three programs that support school success from birth through high school graduation.
360 Communities offers a full circle of support, connecting neighbors through an integrated network of programs, resources, and community partners. We meet our neighbors with respect, listening closely to their stories and working with their strengths to help them navigate the challenges that make each journey unique. By providing holistic support and vital referrals, 360 Communities helps stabilize crises and gives people the tools and foundation they need to build a brighter tomorrow. For more information, visit 360communities.org.
About Wings Credit Union Foundation
The Wings Credit Union Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people and communities thrive. Founded in 2010, the Foundation empowers individuals through education, financial well-being initiatives, scholarships, volunteerism, and support during times of need. Guided by the belief that opportunity should be within reach for everyone, the Foundation invests in programs and partnerships that strengthen communities across the Wings Credit Union service area, which primarily includes Colorado, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Florida, Georgia, and Michigan. For more information, visit WingsCU.com/Foundation.
About Wings Credit Union
Wings Credit Union and Ent Credit Union united in a merger of equals on Jan. 1, 2026, creating a stronger, member-focused financial cooperative serving nearly 1 million members with approximately $20 billion in assets. Wings operates with dual headquarters in Apple Valley, Minnesota, and Colorado Springs, Colorado.
As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, Wings offers robust digital banking capabilities and a full suite of financial solutions, including more than 90 physical service centers across several states. Wings is known for exceptional member service and invests in the communities it serves through philanthropy, education, and programs that support long-term financial well-being. Wings was recognized by Newsweek in its America’s Best Credit Unions 2026 list.
Wings is an Equal Housing Lender and Equal Opportunity Lender, federally insured by NCUA. Learn more at WingsCU.com.
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