America’s Credit Unions’ 2026 Diamond Awards celebrated the pinnacle of creativity, impact, and innovation of 315 credit unions across the United States recognized for setting new standards in member engagement and bold storytelling.

Among this group, 16 award-winning credit unions are headquartered in California and Nevada, showcasing their talent and community-focused marketing. From groundbreaking rebrands to community relief funds, these regional winners represent the best of what’s possible when purpose and creativity align.

California Winners

California winners include:

Bay Federal Credit Union (Capitola, CA): “So Simple” Commercials – Brand Storytelling & Purpose Video 

Corazo Credit Union (El Centro, CA): Removing Barriers Through Branding – Rebrand/New Corporate Identity

First City Credit Union (Altadena, CA):

• Los Angeles General Medical Center – We Care Activations – Audience-Specific Marketing
• Raptor Rescue – Complete Campaign

Foothill Credit Union (Arcadia, CA): Upland Branch Grand Opening Event – New Event 

Golden 1 Credit Union (Sacramento, CA): Golden 1 Member Appreciation Week 2025 – Social Media

Mocse Credit Union (Modesto, CA): The Buzz around town – Out of Home

Northrop Grumman Federal Credit Union (Gardena, CA): Mission Possible: Membership Campaign – Membership Growth Marketing

Patelco Credit Union (Dublin, CA): Small Talks, Big Impact: Patelco Simplifies Financial Topics – Financial Education

Redwood Credit Union (Santa Rosa, CA):

• Express Wine Delivery: An RCU Business Membership Story – Brand Storytelling & Purpose Video
• A Simple Gesture Holiday Food Drive – Community Partnerships or Endorsements

Santa Cruz Community Credit Union (Santa Cruz, CA): MobiBranch – Retail Display & Merchandising

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union (Tustin, CA):

• 2024 Annual Report – Annual Reports
• University Awareness Campaign – Audience-Specific Marketing
• First-Time Auto Buyer Campaign – Audience-Specific Marketing
• Fraud Awareness Campaign – Complete Campaign
• Baby Steps Youth Membership Campaign – Digital Advertising
• Marketing in Pairs – Email
• “Money Minute” Podcast Ads – Radio or Streaming Ads

University Credit Union (Los Angeles, CA): Money Mastery Made Magnetic – Financial Education

USC Credit Union (Los Angeles, CA): Southern California Wildfire Relief Fund – Public Relations Campaign

Yolo Federal Credit Union (Woodland, CA): Yolo Federal Toxic Debt Video – Social Short-Form Video

Nevada Winners

Nevada winners include:

One Nevada Credit Union (Las Vegas, NV): POV: You Just Joined One Nevada – Email

WestStar Credit Union (Las Vegas, NV): Star Debit Mastercard – Payment Card Design

The Diamond Awards

This year’s competition featured several new categories that spotlight fresh ideas and innovative ways to connect with communities. The awards are organized into seven broad categories:

• Advertising & Media: Spanning Digital, Direct Mail, Email, Out of Home, Radio, and Social Media.
• Campaigns & Marketing: Focused on Brand Awareness, Community Partnerships, and Membership Growth.
• Design & Identity: Celebrating Logos, Payment Cards, Rebrands, and Retail Merchandising.
• Events: Recognizing both New and Ongoing events.
• Publications & Content: Covering Annual Reports, Content Marketing, Financial Education, and Website design.
• Specialty Awards: Highlighting the “Cutting Edge,” “Diamond in the Rough,” “Humor & Wit,” and Internal Marketing.
• Video: Focusing on Brand Storytelling, Education, Promotional content, and Social Short-Form.

The Diamond Awards are only possible with the dedication of volunteer judges. Each entry is evaluated by a panel of at least three judges who score submissions independently based on specific criteria and values assigned to each category.

California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions want to thank all participants from both states for their commitment to excellence. These projects prove that when credit unions embrace fresh ideas and meaningful engagement, they build stronger communities.