EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — April 20, 2026 — American Eagle Financial Credit Union (“American Eagle”), Connecticut’s strongest financial partner, today announced the recipients of its Q1 2026 Cash Back to the Community program. Three Greater Hartford-area nonprofits were each awarded $8,869.33, totaling $26,607 in donations to support their missions and community impact. The Cash Back to the Community program is funded through member participation; with each use of an American Eagle debit or credit card, the credit union contributes to the fund.
The Q1 2026 recipients included the Newington Student Assistance Fund, Neighborhood Promise in New Britain, and A Kinder Ground Nonprofit, Inc. in Wallingford. Each organization helps strengthen local communities through initiatives focused on financial and educational empowerment, as well as addressing essential needs such as hygiene, clothing, and food security.
“Empowering the members and communities we serve is central to everything we do at American Eagle,” said Simeon Chapin, SVP, Chief Community Officer at American Eagle Financial Credit Union. “Through our Cash Back to the Community program, our members’ actions directly support organizations that are making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families across our region by expanding access to education, meeting essential needs, and creating opportunities for long-term financial well-being.”
The Newington Student Assistance Fund provides interest-free loans to Newington residents pursuing post-secondary education or training, helping to ease financial burdens and expand access to long-term opportunity.
“The Newington Student Assistance Fund Board is very excited and grateful to receive this award,” said Maura Stamm, Board President. “It is a wonderful affirmation that our community recognizes the value we bring to students and their families. The timing of the donation and recognition could not be better. We are currently experiencing an increase in the number of applicants, and this generous gift will help us achieve our goal of fulfilling every loan application. We know this donation will have a positive impact on many lives for years to come.”
Neighborhood Promise , based in New Britain, works to uplift individuals and families by providing essential goods through its Hand-Up Donation Center, including personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and clothing.
“Neighborhood Promise is so grateful to American Eagle Financial Credit Union for their generous donation,” said Cheryl Liedke, Neighborhood Promise Board President. “This donation came at a perfect time for our organization and will help us maintain our Hand-Up Center, which serves over 100 clients (representing over 350 family members) each month. This donation will also help us launch our Empowerment Pathway Program, which will train peer navigators to connect people with the services they need.”
A Kinder Ground Nonprofit, Inc. , located in Wallingford, supports differently-abled young adults through its program, Soup’s On, A Kinder Ground Café, which provides opportunities to develop job, social, and educational skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.
“ Our young adults who are developing their job & social skills at 'Soups On! at A Kinder Ground Cafe' will benefit tremendously with this very generous support from American Eagle Financial Credit Union’s Cash Back to the Community Program,” said Teresia O’Hala, Board President of A Kinder Ground Nonprofit. “These funds will allow us to expand and strengthen our ability to deliver our homemade soup in the community, at our schools, Town Hall, Central Board of Education Office, and large businesses. We will be able to purchase the necessary equipment to handle this type of endeavor. Our young adult Associates will have the opportunity to interact and develop their social skills in various places in our local community. Thus, the community will bear witness to their abilities.”
American Eagle’s Cash Back to the Community program reflects the credit union’s ongoing commitment to reinvesting in the communities it serves and supporting organizations that create lasting, positive change.
To learn more about American Eagle Financial Credit Union, the services and support it offers, and its community impact, visit www.AmericanEagle.org .
About American Eagle Financial Credit Union Founded in 1935, American Eagle Financial Credit Union (“American Eagle”) is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution with a nearly century-long track record of serving individuals, families, and businesses across Connecticut and Western Massachusetts. Originally established to serve employees of Pratt & Whitney, American Eagle has grown into one of the region’s leading credit unions while remaining rooted in its mission of member service and community impact. Today, American Eagle serves more than 165,000 members, manages over $2.5 billion in assets, and operates 16 branch locations across its footprint in Hartford, New Haven, Middlesex, Tolland, and Hampden counties, offering a full range of personal and business financial services and digital banking tools. Headquartered in East Hartford, Connecticut, American Eagle is the largest credit union serving the Nutmeg State. For more information, please visit www.AmericanEagle.org .