First Harvest Credit Union Highlights First Quarter Growth and Achievements for 2026
First Harvest Credit Union capped off a successful first quarter of 2026 by delivering strong financial performance, earning national marketing recognition, and deepening its commitment to member value and community impact. Throughout the quarter, the credit union achieved significant lending and membership growth, surpassed the 50,000‑member milestone, returned record dividend value to its membership, and received national honors for its marketing and public relations efforts. Together, these achievements reinforce First Harvest’s continued focus on serving members, strengthening communities across Southern New Jersey, and advancing its credit union mission.
Marketing Awards & Community Recognition
First Harvest Credit Union earned national recognition from America’s Credit Unions, receiving two Diamond Awards, including a prestigious Category’s Best award in the Public Relations category, for its marketing, earned media, and community partnership efforts. The Category’s Best title was awarded for the credit union’s 85 Acts of Kindness initiative, which focused on reinvesting in the Southern New Jersey region. First Harvest also received a Diamond Award in the Community Partnerships and Endorsements category for its investments in South Jersey colleges and universities, supporting young adults through financial reinvestment and educational partnerships during its 85th anniversary year.
Lending Growth to Support Members Across New Jersey
First Harvest’s lending teams generated a record $35.4 million in new member loans in Q1 2026, underscoring the credit union’s continued commitment to accessible and affordable financing. From helping individuals consolidate debt to financing first‑time vehicle purchases, First Harvest plays a vital role in creating financial stability and opportunity across New Jersey. As the largest credit union in Southern New Jersey, First Harvest remains focused on simplifying finances, offering flexible lending solutions, and expanding access to inclusive financial products that support a strong, thriving community.
Membership Growth Reaches Historic Milestone
First Harvest welcomed more than 800 new members in Q1 2026, continuing strong year-over-year growth and surpassing a historic milestone of 50,000 members. First Harvest is the largest Low Income designated credit union in New Jersey by membership. As of March 31, 2026, First Harvest proudly serves 50,216 members throughout New Jersey. This expanding membership reflects growing trust in the credit union’s mission and helps drive its ability to reinvest in members and communities through meaningful benefits, including returned dividends and value-driven member programs.
Member Value & Financial Strength
Continued growth in both membership and loan origination has helped strengthen First Harvest’s financial position, enabling the credit union to offer competitive savings rates, expand member benefit programs, and consistently return value to its members. In Q1 2026, First Harvest returned more than $1.51 million in dividends to members, marking a significant quarterly milestone and one of the strongest dividend returns in the institution’s history. The ability to reinvest in its members reflects the power of the credit union cooperative model, where financial success directly benefits members, fueling First Harvest’s ongoing commitment to community outreach and localized service.
Employees Drive Community Impact and Service
In addition to membership giveback, First Harvest prioritizes meaningful community impact through ongoing outreach and employee service. Throughout Q1 2026, First Harvest’s Membership Development Team supported more than 80 community and Select Employer Group (SEG) events across Southern New Jersey, strengthening relationships and expanding financial access throughout the region. Employees also contributed over 80 hours of community service, volunteering with local organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, and The Work Group. Through this continued commitment to service, partnership, and local engagement, First Harvest remains a strong community pillar and trusted financial partner to more than 700 SEGs and local organizations.
“As First Harvest celebrates a strong start to 2026, including national recognition from our credit union peers for our marketing and community impact, we remain focused on delivering meaningful value to our more than 50,000 members,” said First Harvest President and CEO Mike Dinneen. “We continue to identify innovative and inclusive ways to provide financial resources and solutions throughout New Jersey, from re-imagined lending programs to competitive savings options. These recent achievements reflect an institution‑wide commitment to delivering quality financial services and impactful member benefits, and reinvesting in the communities that have trusted First Harvest for more than 85 years. We are grateful to our dedicated employees, valued members, and community partners for their continued support. Everything we do is guided by the simple purpose that our credit union exists to serve our members and the vibrant New Jersey communities we proudly call home.”
