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Tucson Federal Credit Union Commits More Than $216,200 in Second-Quarter Community Giving Across Education, Housing Access, Workforce Readiness, Youth Programs, and Financial Education

TUCSON, AZ / AGILITYPR.NEWS / August 31, 2026 / Total includes a $120,000 multi-year investment establishing the Student Impact Fund at Catholic University – Tucson, along with support for identification access, career readiness, performing arts, technical education, and youth athletics

 

Tucson Federal Credit Union (TFCU) continued its community investment work in the second quarter of 2026, committing more than $216,200 in grants, sponsorships, and programmatic support (including a $120,000 multi-year commitment to Catholic University – Tucson) for organizations advancing education, housing access, workforce readiness, youth development, financial education, and community-based programming across Arizona.

 

The second-quarter commitments build on TFCU's ongoing approach to community giving: investing in organizations that are actively removing barriers, expanding opportunity, and improving quality of life for individuals and families.


“Our community investment strategy is rooted in partnership,” said John “Jax” Jackson, Vice President of Culture and Development at Tucson Federal Credit Union. “These organizations are doing work that directly affects access, stability, education, and long-term opportunity. As a local credit union, our role is to show up in ways that are useful, intentional, and connected to the needs of the people we serve.”

 

SIGNATURE EDUCATION INVESTMENT

TFCU's largest second-quarter commitment was a $120,000 multi-year gift to Catholic University – Tucson, establishing the Tucson Federal Credit Union Student Impact Fund. The full commitment is reflected in TFCU's Q2 giving total, noted as a multi-year investment. The fund will support student scholarships and program operations, strengthening career pathways for students in Southern Arizona.

 

The partnership reflects an existing relationship between the organizations. Over the past three years, Catholic University – Tucson students have interned with TFCU's Business Services team, gaining direct experience in finance and operations, with several internships leading to full-time employment after graduation.

 

The collaboration also extends into the classroom, with TFCU leaders including Christopher Fonseca, Chief Financial Officer, and Shaima Namazifard, Vice President of Business Services, serving as instructors in the Tucson program.

 

“TFCU is deeply committed to being more than just a financial institution; we are a partner in our community's growth,” said Matthew Gaspari, President and CEO of Tucson Federal Credit Union. “Our partnership with Catholic University allows us to fulfill a vital mission: providing direct career pathways and bridging educational gaps for first-time minority college students. By investing in our community in this manner, we are removing barriers to entry and ensuring that the next generation of Tucson's leaders has the support they need to thrive.”

 

HOUSING ACCESS & ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTATION

TFCU awarded $15,000 to Homeless ID Project to help individuals and families obtain identification documents needed to access housing, employment, healthcare, and other essential services.

 

Identification is often a first barrier for people working to move out of homelessness or instability. By supporting Homeless ID Project, TFCU is helping address a practical but critical need: ensuring that people have the documentation required to take the next step toward stability.

 

“This support will have a meaningful impact on the individuals and families we serve by helping us provide the identification documents needed to access housing, employment, healthcare, and other essential services,” said Megan Loden, Development Director of Homeless ID Project. “We are honored to have TFCU as a partner in this important work.”

 

WORKFORCE READINESS & ECONOMIC MOBILITY

TFCU awarded $10,000 to Dress for Success Arizona, supporting the organization's work to help women achieve economic mobility through professional attire, career development tools, job readiness support, and a network of encouragement.

 

The investment aligns with TFCU's broader commitment to expanding access to opportunity, particularly for individuals working toward employment, career advancement, and long-term financial independence.

 

TFCU also invested in career and technical education through a $1,500 contribution to Pima JTED, supporting programming connected to student training and career preparation. The gift was coordinated with Debra Amos, a Pima JTED Cosmetology Instructor, and reflects TFCU's continued support for practical education pathways that prepare students for the workforce.

 

FINANCIAL EDUCATION & LONG-TERM CAPABILITY

TFCU also supported 3rd Decade's financial education work in Southern Arizona with a $5,000 tier-three sponsorship. Originally approved in September 2025, the organization's Investing in Futures: A Financial Literacy Luncheon was rescheduled to April 2026, convening financial services professionals, nonprofit leaders, and community supporters around the shared goal of expanding financial education and mentorship for young adults.

 

The organization's work aligns directly with TFCU's mission to create opportunity through education and access. Its free programming helps young adults build financial knowledge, develop healthier financial habits, and work toward long-term financial confidence.

 

ARTS, CULTURE & COMMUNITY VOICE

TFCU contributed $1,000 to Borderlands Theater, supporting the Tucson nonprofit's work in storytelling, cultural programming, education, and community-centered theater.

The contribution reflects TFCU's recognition that a thriving community depends not only on financial stability and education, but also on the arts and cultural institutions that help tell the stories of the region.

 

YOUTH ATHLETICS & SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAMMING

TFCU also directed support toward youth athletics and school-based programming. A $2,000 contribution to Pueblo High School Baseball Booster will help replace equipment stolen from the team's batting cage, with a banner recognizing TFCU's support planned for the baseball field.

 

TFCU contributed $1,000 to Marana Thunder Youth Cheerleading, supporting equipment for game days, including canopies, signage, and snacks.

 

TFCU also contributed $3,000 to Tucson Mexico Sister Cities in support of the organization's Mexican Independence Day Concert, held September 15, 2026.

Together, TFCU's Q2 giving reflects the credit union's continued commitment to being “beyond involved” — not only funding local work, but strengthening relationships with the organizations, schools, and community leaders building opportunity across the region.

About Us

Tucson Federal Credit Union exists to empower people and improve lives within the community. Their vision is to raise the level of prosperity for all generations and create thriving communities, and they fulfill this vision by creating opportunities through service, education, and access. For more information, please visit www.tucsonfcu.com

Contacts

Krystal Adams

COO

Kadams@tucsonfcu.com

1160 N. Winstel Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85716-4023

Phone: 520-322-7468

https://www.tucsonfcu.com