TopLine Credit Union Foundation Awards $10,000 in Scholarships

MAPLE GROVE, MN--(Marketwired - October 13, 2015) - Local member-owned financial cooperative TopLine Federal Credit Union announced earlier this year the creation of the TopLine Credit Union Foundation -- a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to support the credit union's community outreach initiatives. In its inaugural year, TopLine Credit Union Foundation has awarded $10,000 in scholarship money to sixteen TopLine members who are continuing their education. The scholarship awards included four $1,000 scholarships and twelve $500 scholarships.

Any individual planning to pursue or continue post secondary education by attending a college or university, graduate school, or a 2 to 4 year community, vocational or technical college in the fall of 2015 was eligible. All eligible schools must be accredited by the U.S. Department of Education.

Scholarship applicants needed to complete a one-page application form and submit an essay (500 words or less) that answered the question: "If you owned a credit union, what would you do to make it a great place to bank?"

"In our first year we are thrilled to assist sixteen TopLine members with the costs of higher education," said Vicki Roscoe Erickson, President, TopLine Credit Union Foundation. "The essays provided valuable insights like offering financial education workshops on how to buy a car to saving and budgeting, others provided recommendations on helping small business members and being there in emergency situations when a 'financial hug' is needed. TopLine Credit Union Foundation, guided by its mission of 'working within the community to build a better tomorrow,' will continue to support our cooperative spirit of 'people helping people' by living our mantra -- to care, connect and contribute in the communities we serve."

The foundation received a total of 143 applications. Scholarship recipients will be recognized with a reception at the credit union and on TopLine Credit Union Foundation's website page at www.TopLinecu.com/foundation.

TopLine Credit Union Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to providing members with an array of financial education opportunities and counseling for members of all ages, awarding scholarships, contributing to community charitable organizations and sponsoring other community give-back efforts. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. A receipt will be provided. For further information visit www.TopLinecu.com/foundation, email Foundation@TopLinecu.com, call 763-391-9494, stop by any TopLine branch location or write to: 9353 Jefferson Hwy, Maple Grove, MN 55369. Federal Tax ID # is 46-4335752.

TopLine Federal Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based credit union, is Minnesota's 13^th largest, with assets of more than $360 million. Established in 1935, the not-for-profit cooperative offers a complete line of financial services, as well as auto and home insurance, from its five branch locations -- in Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove, Plymouth and in St. Paul's Como Park -- as well as by phone, mobile app and online at www.TopLinecu.com. Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or volunteers in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott or Washington Counties and their immediate family members.

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