Everwise Credit Union, was founded in 1931 by a small group of teachers seeking financial stability during the Great Depression. The credit union was originally called South Bend Teachers Federation Credit Union and later became Teachers Credit Union.
At a time when many people were excluded from traditional banking, these teachers built something different: a financial institution grounded in access, trust and community.
Ninety-five years later, Everwise is Indiana’s largest credit union, serving nearly 300,000 members across Indiana and southwest Michigan. The belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to grow into their dreams still fuels their mission.
“Everwise exists to help people move forward with confidence,” said Trisha Smith, Vice President of Marketing. “As a credit union, our success is directly tied to the well-being of our members and our communities. That connection drives every decision we make, from how we serve individuals to how we invest in the places we call home.”
“Everwise exists to help people move forward with confidence.” – Trisha Smith, Vice President of Marketing
This is why, as a financial cooperative, profits don’t go to shareholders but flow back to members and get reinvested in their communities through competitive rates, support for local businesses, education and economic development initiatives, and helping individuals and families achieve financial stability.
Everwise delivers financial guidance that is “simple, warm and wise” to meet members where they are and help them build confidence in every stage of their financial lives. “I have been a member of Everwise since the first year I was born,” said Karen B., a resident of Walkerton, Indiana. “My dad was a school teacher. I even worked there for six years in the 1980s. I have had a lifetime of loans, mortgages and credit cards! I would recommend Everwise to anyone.”
In addition to putting members first, Everwise’s employee-led volunteer efforts, community partnerships, economic development work and philanthropic giving reflect their commitment to the cooperative principle of concern for community. For example, during Everwise’s 2025 annual Day of Giving, 600 dedicated employees rolled up their sleeves and volunteered at more than 45 nonprofit locations in their communities. Activities ranged from preparing meals and packing boxes of food for children and families in need to revitalizing outdoor community spaces.
Throughout the year, Everwise and the Everwise Foundation donated over $1 million to more than 225 nonprofit organizations.
To achieve greater impact, Everwise Foundation focuses their charitable efforts on lifelong learning. Grants go to organizations that provide financial education for kids and adults, mentorships, scholarships and education programs ranging from preschool education to workforce development and small business growth. Employees also volunteered more than 3,800 hours to causes and organizations close to their hearts.
In addition to strengthening the communities where their members live and work, Everwise also supports innovation within the credit union industry.
Through its wholly-owned credit union service organization, Everwise Ventures, LLC (“Ventures”), Everwise invests in financial technology and emerging solutions that strengthen the future of cooperative finance. In partnership with organizations like Curql, Ventures collaborates with other credit unions to ensure the industry continues to evolve while staying true to its cooperative roots.
“[Being part of NCBA] strengthens our ability to learn, collaborate and advocate for the cooperative model, ensuring we continue to create value not just for our members, but for the communities we serve.” – Lyndsay Miller, Chief Legal + Risk Officer
This commitment to advancing the credit union movement while upholding cooperative principles and values is also why Everwise Credit Union is a member of NCBA. “Being part of the National Cooperative Business Association connects us to a broader network of organizations that share our commitment to people-first businesses,” said Lyndsay Miller, Chief Legal + Risk Officer. “It strengthens our ability to learn, collaborate and advocate for the cooperative model, ensuring we continue to create value not just for our members, but for the communities we serve.”
NCBA is proud to partner with members like Everwise Credit Union who embrace their cooperative identity in service to their members and communities.