DoverPhila Federal Credit Union returns $2.6 million to members

DoverPhila Federal Credit Union delivered more than $2.6 million in year-end giveback to members and made additional community investments across Tuscarawas County.

The credit union said the bonus marks the 31st consecutive year it has returned significant earnings to members and represents the largest member bonus dividend in its history. Including the bonus, DoverPhila said it returned $15.5 million in dividends during the year to members and the Tuscarawas County community, up from $13 million last year.

The $2.6 million year-end member bonus dividend reflects what the credit union described as everyday financial advantages of membership, including low-cost auto loans, competitive dividend and certificate rates, expanded digital tools and free financial resources, along with programs intended to support long-term financial well-being.

DoverPhila also distributed $15 dividends to youth members enrolled in DP’s Kids Club and DP’s Savers Club accounts, citing its focus on building financial wellness early.

The credit union said the bonus is tied to its member-owned model, with earnings on savings, interest paid on loans and debit card point-of-sale activity contributing to the pool of funds returned to members each year.

Beyond member dividends, DoverPhila said it invested in health, education, leadership development and quality-of-life initiatives across Tuscarawas County in 2025. Among its commitments, the credit union said it pledged $250,000 over the next five years, or $50,000 annually, to Friends of the Homeless of Tuscarawas County to support the development of Jack’s House of Hope. DoverPhila also said it contributed more than $40,000 to United Way of Tuscarawas County through donations and sponsorships to support health and human services.

The credit union said it provided $10,000 to the Buckeye Career Center Foundation for scholarships and grants supporting students in technical trades. It also said it partnered with Elan Financial Services to donate $10,000 to Beneath the Shade through Elan’s Charitable Giving Program.

Additional contributions, the credit union said, included support for Rainbow Connection, Ohio Guidestones, the Family Reading Festival, Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital’s Run for Home, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Friends of the Tuscarawas County Public Library, Greater Dover New Phila Food Pantry, the Tuscarawas County Humane Society, the Tuscarawas County Fair, Access Tuscarawas and others.

“We measure success by the impact we create — not just on our balance sheet, but in the lives of our members and neighbors,” said Jason Garner, president and CEO of DoverPhila Federal Credit Union. “Returning $2.6 million to our membership and more than $200,000 to Tuscarawas County this year is a testament to the strength of our cooperative model and the trust our community places in us. When our members thrive, the entire region thrives, and we are proud to play a meaningful role in building a stronger, financially empowered community.”

DoverPhila said it also expanded and modernized digital tools, payment options and in-person service offerings. The enhancements included tap-to-pay debit cards, a website chatbot to answer common questions around the clock, single sign-on credit card access within online and mobile banking, person-to-person payments through Zelle, and access to a shared branching and ATM network that the credit union said includes more than 30,000 ATMs nationwide and 117 locations abroad.

Looking ahead, DoverPhila said it plans to continue expanding member benefits and accessibility in 2026, focusing on lending services and new financial tools designed for convenience and long-term value.

DoverPhila Federal Credit Union has served Tuscarawas County for more than 70 years. Anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Tuscarawas County can join by making a $5 deposit at any of its five full-service locations in Dover, New Philadelphia, Newcomerstown and Uhrichsville, or online at www.dpfcu.org. For more information, call or text 330-364-8874.