NOV NIBJ: STCU invests in North Idaho through giving, volunteerism

NORTH IDAHO — In 1934, a vision took shape.  

That vision? Bring better, more accessible banking to teachers, provide credit union services to the community and give back to the communities it serves. 

Now operating 51 locations and employing more than 1,000 people, that same mission is what drives Spokane Teachers Credit Union to lift the broader community through its monetary and volunteer donations. Establishing an accessible financial cooperative was just the first step of STCU's goal. Now, the nonprofit aims to further assist causes throughout the community that matter to the same people they serve.  

"We are really giving back to lift up everybody, because we really do believe when we're investing in the right things in the right places, it lifts everybody up," Amy Warker, STCU senior vice president of marketing, said. "I think we just feel like that's our responsibility as a business in the community, and we really believe in our mission and our brand promise to be here for good." 

With a focus on arts and culture, education, and community events and programs, Warker said STCU has supported 441 different organizations throughout the North Idaho community in 2025.  

"We’ve really focused on arts and culture, education, and community programming or events. We just have felt from input from our membership and our board and our leadership that those areas tend to contribute to the health and vibrancy of our communities," Warker said. "An important part of being a part of this community is giving back and supporting each other."

Last year, STCU's Here for Good Foundation awarded over $96,000 to 21 nonprofit organizations in North Idaho in 2025. The foundation, which got its start in 2023, aims to strengthen the community and expand opportunities. It also aims to provide disaster relief, if needed, such as financial aid to those affected by the Spokane wildfires this past summer.

Beyond financial contributions, STCU encourages employees to take an active role in supporting the communities they serve. Through its paid volunteer program, employees are provided 16 hours annually to dedicate to charitable causes, allowing the credit union's mission to extend beyond its branch locations. Employees are allowed to choose where they donate their time, contributing to the cause of their choice.  

In 2025, STCU employees logged more than 13,000 volunteer hours, a figure Warker expects to increase in 2026. 

Warker also shared that STCU employees represent the credit union on 120 different boards throughout the community, like the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association, Festival at the Sandpoint and the Rathdrum Area Chamber of Commerce, among other boards.  

Nearly a century after nine women and one man came together with a vision of making financial services more accessible, STCU's mission has grown beyond the walls of its branches. 

From supporting local nonprofits to encouraging employees to give their time, the credit union continues to build upon the foundation established in 1934 — one rooted in the belief that a stronger community benefits everyone.