Centra Credit Union recently was recognized for three statewide awards for philanthropic efforts and member-friendly programs by the Indiana Credit Union League.

The award recipients were announced at the Indiana Credit Union League Chairman’s Awards Banquet on Oct. 14.

Centra was awarded first place for the Alphonse Desjardins Award for Youth Financial Literacy. This award recognizes leadership and activities that support the personal financial education of members and nonmembers. Centra was awarded for the team’s efforts to introduce the financial education app Zogo and improve the account opening process for members ages 13 to 17 by eliminating the requirement for an adult co-owner for the account.

Centra also received first place for the Louise Herring Philosophy in Action Award, which recognizes practical application of credit union philosophy within the actual operation of the credit union. The award is typically given for internal programs and services that benefit the credit union’s membership. Centra was awarded for introducing Member Loyalty Rewards, including the streamlining of its checking account options and the initial payout of $2 million in special dividends.

Centra received second place for the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award. The award recognizes a credit union or group for its social responsibility projects within the community. For Centra’s #PayItForward service project Oct. 11, each team member was given a $20 gift card to use in the community. They could use the gift cards individually or with a team to buy someone’s groceries, donate to a local nonprofit, purchase snacks for first responders and more.

Founded in 1940 and based in Columbus, Centra is a community-based, full-service financial institution with 24 branch locations throughout central and southern Indiana and in Jamestown, New York and Whitakers, North Carolina. That includes a branch in Seymour at 520 S. Jackson Park Drive.