At Ascend, giving back is part of who we are. As a not-for-profit credit union, our mission is to put people first, and in 2025, we found more ways than ever to deliver value to our members and communities. ​

Here’s a look at how we gave back this year:​

• $7.2 million distributed through our High-Yield and Rewards Checking accounts, helping members maximize the value they receive monthly just for using their account. ​
• $4 million in annual dividends and loan interest refunds ​
• 48,500 members increased their credit score with the help of our SavvyMoney tool, moving one step closer to financial confidence. ​
• Over 5,000 youth members opened a savings account with Ascend, starting their journey towards becoming financially independent. ​
• Over 16,000 new members joined the credit union, with our service extending to more than 260,000 members across Middle Tennessee. ​
• Over $450,000 donated to community organizations across Middle Tennessee, supporting the places where our members live, work, and serve.​
• $47,500 given in academic scholarships from Ascend, helping ease the financial burden of higher education.​
• Over 50 financial literacy workshops hosted across the state, empowering members to make informed decisions about their money. ​
• Nearly 5,000 local students received free financial literacy curriculums in their classrooms to teach financial basics at a young age.​

​Whether it’s higher dividends on our deposit products, lower loan rates, or programs designed to help members thrive, we believe financial wellness should be accessible to everyone. ​

Since 2005, Ascend has returned more than $120.5 million in annual dividends and loan interest refunds to our members. This year’s dividend, totaling $4 million, will be deposited into accounts in November. ​

This return is just one piece of a bigger story of how we support our members every day, all year long — and in 2026, we look forward to finding even more ways to make a difference. ​

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