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The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation is supporting the needs of credit unions and their employees impacted by Hurricane Helene through our Disaster Relief Fund, To date, $618,496 in disaster relief grants has been distrubuted to 686 credit union employees and volunteers. We are so grateful for the many individuals and credit union industry donors from across our country that have supported and continue to reaffirm their commitment to our cause. We will soon begin Phase II of our funding efforts and are still in need of donations to support credit union employees in the Carolinas.
Your donation will enable us to continue offering support. We hope we can count on YOU to join us in making an even BIGGER impact than we have so far. For any questions, please contact Lauren Whaley.
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Foundation Thanks Supporters and Sets $75,000 Goal to Close Funding Gap | |
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The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation's 30+ year existence and our tremendous impact across the Carolinas is because of the generosity and support of our many credit unions and industry partners. Below are our 2024 supporters so far this year and we thank each for their continued financial commitment allowing us to remain standing strong, amplifying our collective mission of people helping ALL people.
As we work to close out the year, the Foundation is setting a goal to raise $75,000 to support our operational and program expenses. We hope we can count on your continued support!
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Awards Gala Heroes Announced | |
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The Foundation recently announced the Hero Awards recipients to be honored at its Annual Awards Gala on February 12, 2025. Held in conjunction with the Carolinas Credit Union League’s LAUNCH Conference, the Awards Gala serves as the Foundation’s premier fundraising event, celebrating statewide and individual award winners that make the credit union industry in the Carolinas truly remarkable.
The 2024 Hero Awards Honorees are:
- Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Jack Thornton, Board Chair of Summit Credit Union
- Partner in Philanthropy Award recipient, SECU Foundation
- Partner in Philanthropy Award recipient, Members Credit Union
- Advancing Equity Award recipient, Ms. Louisiana Wright Sanders, Board Member of SRP Federal Credit Union
In addition, a total of 32 awards will be given at this year’s Gala recognizing 16 distinguished credit unions that demonstrate social responsibility (the Dora Maxwell Award), the credit union philosophy (the Louise Herring Award), and financial education (the Desjardins Awards).
Credit union winners include: Acclaim FCU, Allegacy FCU, Carolina Foothills FCU, Coastal CU, Family Trust FCU, Greenville FCU, Members CU, Neighbors United FCU, REV FCU, Skyla CU, Spero Financial, SPC CU, SRP FCU, Summit CU, Telco Community CU, and Truliant FCU.
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Foundation Launches New Reality Fair Partnership | |
In partnership with the Cornerstone Credit Union Foundation, the Carolinas Foundation is excited to add another resource for credit unions engaged in youth financial education. Through the BALANCED Life Reality Fair, students can experience a fun and exciting simulation of what their adult spending and budgeting might be, based on career choices and lifestyle decisions.
“I can’t say enough good things about BALANCED Life Reality Fair. We researched other financial literacy simulations for students and kept coming back to BALANCED Life. They were super easy to work with, allowed us to co-brand all the materials and were reasonably priced for our credit union. The students leave the simulation understanding that budgeting is very important as an adult, children are expensive and the amount of education you obtain has a significant impact on your earning potential. And the adult volunteers not only enjoy the simulation as well but appreciate Carolina Foothills’ effort to educate our young adults.” Terri Hendrix, EVP/Chief Engagement Officer, CCUE, CUDE, PhDE, International CUDE
Email Lauren Whaley for more details >>
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Summit renews small credit union commitment and creates new fund for women leadership | |
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The Carolinas Foundation is incredibly thankful for Summit Credit Union’s commitment to small credit unions by underwriting the Hamilton Professional Development Grant Program. Recently, Summit renewed its years-long support by committing an additional $100,000 to fund small credit union grants for the next several years.
Additionally, Summit is contributing $30,000 ($10,000 bi-annually) to support the INSPIRE Conference that empowers female credit union leaders in the southeast. A new INSPIRE Hamilton Scholarship Fund will be established to support attendees from small credit unions, while honoring Sis Hamilton's legacy and impact on the movement. Read More >>
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Thanks to the generous credit union support, 20th Carolinas Cup raises $82,000 | |
On behalf of TruStage, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation and our event captains & volunteers, we send our sincerest thanks to our many sponsors and participants of the 20th Carolinas Cup. All event proceeds support Victory Junction who provides life-changing camp experiences to children with serious illnesses, at no cost to children or their families. Read More >> | |
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$100,000 in Tech & Capital Improvement Grants Awarded
The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation recently announced that 11 credit unions received a total of $100,000 in funding though its Technology and Capital Improvement Grant Program. Now in its fourth year, the program awards grants centered on Technology or Security Upgrades, Capital Improvements, Underserved Outreach and Consulting Services. This year’s competitive grant cycle included submitted proposals from 19 small credit unions in the Carolinas for $245,880 in requested project funds.
The 2024 Technology and Capital Improvement Grant awardees include: Acclaim FCU, Arcade CU, Berkeley Community FCU, Columbia Post Office CU, CS CU, Emerald Credit Association FCU, First Carolina People's CU, Greensboro CU, Lion's Share FCU, Self Memorial Hospital FCU and TCP CU.
Read more >>
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Principles & Philosophy Conference Enriched with Visit to Victory Junction | |
Over the course of three days in late-October, 49 credit union staff converged on Caraway Conference Center for the 15th Principles & Philosophy Conference. Jointly sponsored by the Carolinas Credit Union League and Carolinas Credit Union Foundation, as well as the volunteer support provided by 11 Credit Union Development Educators (CUDEs), the conference offers a deep dive into the history and social purpose of credit unions. The group was treated to a field trip to Victory Junction Camp! Congratulations to all our 2024 P&P graduates! Read More >> | |
Save the Date: The 2025 Principles & Philosophy Conference will take place October 28-30 at Caraway. Registration opens in the Spring. | |
Calling All CU Members: Academic & Needs-Based Scholarships Due Feb 1st | |
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Every year, the Foundation and its credit union partners award scholarships for higher education. These include scholarships based on academic achievement, community involvement and leadership, as well as financial need. In 2024, the Foundation awarded $601,000 in scholarships to 311 credit union members pursuing higher education.
Scholarships are available to any Carolinas credit union member for undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate level studies as well as adults who are making a career change. Applications for scholarships for the 2025 – 2026 school year will be accepted from Oct 1 – Feb 1, 2025. For more information about the Foundation’s scholarship opportunities, visit the Foundation's Scholarship Resource Center.
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News & Resources for CU Professionals!
Read about recent events, essential information and the latest credit union industry news here >>
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Contact the Foundation:
Lauren Whaley, President | 919-600-8219 | E-mail |
Jeff Hardin, Director of Collaborative Programs | 336-601-1764 | E-mail |
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The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation was incorporated in 1993 as a charitable organization dedicated to the embodiment of the “people helping people” philosophy of credit unions. Its mission is to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. The Foundation serves as a founding partner to Victory Junction, a year-round camping facility, located in Randleman, NC, for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. Over the last 16 years, more than $5 million has been raised by credit unions in the Carolinas to support its camp and outreach programs. The Foundation also serves as a partner in philanthropy with credit unions, assisting charitable giving through donor-advised funds, managing scholarship programs, supporting small credit unions with professional development grants, and aiding disaster relief for the local, national, and global credit union communities.
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