Community

The USD 489 Foundation for Educational Excellence, in partnership with Heartland Credit Union, is proud to bring back the Inspire 489 Award for the 2026-2027 school year. The initiative is designed to recognize and celebrate exceptional staff members across Hays Public Schools. 

Heartland Credit Union was founded in 1948 by 14 teachers who believed banking should work for people, not the other way around. That belief has shaped everything we've done since. 

Our annual Education Scholarship is one way we carry that forward. This year, we're awarding $10,000 in scholarships to four outstanding members, $2,500 each, to help fund what comes next. 

In response to growing needs in the community, Heartland Credit Union has donated $5,000 to the Reno County Food Bank to help fight hunger and support families during the holiday season. The credit union is now encouraging its members to match that donation by contributing an additional $5,000 by December 31, with the goal of raising a total of $10,000 to support local residents.

In a noisy world, Heartland Credit Union can be a steady signal. On Thursday, October 15, we are celebrating International Credit Union Day the way we know best, by doing something useful for our Kansas communities: free community shred events at three branches. Bring your old documents to our 23rd and Severance branch in Hutchinson, our East Kellogg branch in Wichita, or our Newton branch, and we will shred them securely, on site, for free.

There are days when a small snack can make a huge difference, especially for a child trying to learn, focus, and feel connected at school. That’s why we’re thrilled to share that Snack & Succeed has officially launched at Faris Elementary School in Hutchinson!

As of midnight on September 30, the federal government has officially shut down following the lapse in funding. This shutdown affects a wide range of federal operations and personnel, and Heartland is committed to supporting our members during this uncertain time.

Fraud is no longer something that happens somewhere else. It is happening here, in our small towns, in our communities, and to people we know.

In conjunction with Heartland Credit Union, Hays 489 Foundation for Education is proud to announce that Hays High School teachers, Luke Lundmark and Jeana Dinkel, are the recipients of the Inspire 489 Award, which includes prize money of $1,000 for each, given by Heartland Credit Union. These individuals exemplify inspiration, leadership, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of the students they teach.

Fort Hays State University Athletics is proud to announce a new partnership with Heartland Credit Union (HCU), naming HCU the Official Financial Wellness Partner of Tiger Athletics.