TBA Credit Union Marks 70 Years by Funding Seven Nonprofits

TBA Credit Union marked its 70th anniversary on November 17, 2025 with an expanded Pay It Forward celebration that delivered seventy thousand dollars to seven local nonprofits. The credit union selected recipients from applicants who shared how their missions align with the institution's values, and awarded ten thousand dollars to each organization during the anniversary month.

Recipients were Michael’s Place, Junior Achievement Northern Michigan, Big Brothers Big Sisters Bigs Up North, Father Fred Foundation, Grand Traverse Industries, Women’s Resource Center, and Grand Traverse Dyslexia Association. The grants aim to amplify services these organizations provide across the county, from youth development and education to social services and workforce support.

"Reaching our 70th anniversary is more than a milestone; it’s a reminder of the trust and support we’ve received from our members and community. This year’s special Pay It Forward initiative allowed us to share that gratitude in an even bigger way. Our annual celebration is about honoring that trust by giving back meaningfully and strengthening the connections that make our community thrive," said Karen Browne, TBACU President & CEO.

The donation is notable relative to the size of the institution. TBA Credit Union reported roughly three hundred fifty million dollars in assets and serves more than twenty thousand members across Michigan. The credit union operates two branches and a call center in Traverse City, and gives members access to large national ATM and shared branch networks. Local leaders say concentrated, unrestricted grants of this size can offer immediate operational flexibility for nonprofits that face rising costs for staffing and program delivery.

For Grand Traverse County residents, the grants matter because they support organizations that deliver front line services. Funding of this magnitude can stabilize programs, enable short term expansions, or underwrite outreach and client supports during peak demand periods. The Pay It Forward tradition, which began in 2015, illustrates how a local financial institution can convert member trust into community investment on an annual basis.

As nonprofit budgets across the region navigate inflationary pressure and seasonal demand swings, the infusion of seventy thousand dollars from a local lender reinforces private sector participation in the county safety net and community development efforts.