EXTON, PA — Citadel Credit Union sharply expanded its community investment in 2025, directing more than $550,000 and thousands of volunteer hours to organizations across Greater Philadelphia as part of one of the largest philanthropic efforts in its history.
The credit union partnered with more than 30 nonprofit organizations and took part in 121 community events during the year. Citadel employees logged more than 2,000 volunteer hours, with over 300 employees, family members, and friends participating in the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Parkway Run and Walk, where Citadel served as premier sponsor for the sixth consecutive year. The event raised more than $1.8 million for CHOP’s Cancer Center.
Citadel’s philanthropic efforts are organized through its Citadel Cares program, which focuses on four pillars: financial literacy, education, community and economic development, and health and wellness. During 2025, the credit union conducted nearly 30 financial literacy programs and raised more than $300,000 for CHOP. It also contributed $86,000 through its Heart of Learning Awards to support teachers and school-based grants.
Housing and food security remained major priorities. Citadel provided $76,500 to affordable housing organizations, including Rebuilding Together Philadelphia, Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia, and Good Works. To address food insecurity, the credit union allocated more than $65,000 to regional food banks and hunger relief groups, including the Chester County Food Bank and Philabundance, supplementing those contributions with employee-led food drives and volunteer support.
In November, Citadel redirected holiday event funds to bolster food assistance programs during a period when many households were affected by the suspension of SNAP benefits amid a federal government shutdown.
The credit union also expanded its internal leadership structure to support growing community engagement. Early in 2025, Citadel appointed Steve Miller as vice president of community engagement and philanthropy, formalizing oversight of its expanding initiatives and regional partnerships.
Citadel introduced an Employee Choice Awards program this year, allocating $20,000 to allow employees to nominate and vote on nonprofit organizations to receive $1,000 grants. The program was designed to give employees a direct voice in how charitable dollars are distributed.
Additional organizations supported in 2025 included Chester County United Way, Esperanza, Urban Affairs Coalition, West Chester University Foundation, Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation, the Foundation of Delaware County, and Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Citadel said the increased scale of giving reflects a broader effort to align its financial services mission with sustained community impact, as employee participation continues to grow alongside its philanthropic commitments.
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