The Credit Union Awards honor the legacy of pioneers Desjardins, Maxwell, and Herring, whose visionary contributions shaped the global credit union movement. The Foundation recognizes credit unions for their remarkable and innovative efforts to support communities, provide financial education, and implement the credit union philosophy in daily operations. 

Applications for the 2024–2025 cycle are now open through August 21, 2025 for your credit union to be recognized.

The Foundation also celebrates outstanding individuals and organizations through its Hero Awards, recognizing those making a transformational impact on the credit union movement. Nominations are accepted in four categories: Lifetime Achievement; Individual Achievement; Partner in Philanthropy; and Advancing Equity, each honoring exceptional leadership, innovation, philanthropy, and dedication to the 8th Cooperative Principle.

Submit your nomination letters via email to Lauren Whaley by September 26, 2025. 

Click here for more details on all of the Foundation's award categories.

Save the date! The Foundation’s Awards Gala is set for February 11, 2026. You won’t want to miss it!

We thrilled to announce $25,000 in scholarships awarded to 25 outstanding credit union professionals across the Southeast in partnership with Summit Credit Union & the Sis Hamilton Fund, the Carolinas League and the Credit Union Impact Foundation. These Small Credit Union and Emerging Leader recipients will join more than 200 credit union professionals at the #2025INSPIREConference!

Attendees will have an unforgettable experience filled with thought-provoking keynotes, interactive workshops, and meaningful networking. Whether you’re seeking fresh ideas, powerful connections, or a renewed sense of purpose, INSPIRE is where leadership, collaboration, and growth come together. Hurry, registration closes August 29, 2025.

TruStage, in partnership with the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation, are proud to announce that registration is almost full for the 21st Annual Carolinas Cup Golf Championship and Auction, benefiting Victory Junction. A signature component of the event is the silent and live auction, which features exclusive travel packages, experiences, outdoor gear, sports memorabilia, rare spirits and wine, designer handbags, jewelry, art, and more. All proceeds go directly to Victory Junction, helping provide joy, hope, and healing to children who need it most.

Please consider donating items to this year’s auction and stay tuned to participate virtually in September! If your credit union would like to donate to the auction, please email Lauren Whaley or Tracy Moll.

Empowering Communities, One Grant at a Time!

Thanks to Vizo Financial Corporate CU, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation awarded $50,000 in Empowerment Grants to nine credit unions advancing financial education across the Carolinas, impacting lives through youth programs, Hispanic outreach, first-time homebuyer education, and digital literacy for first responders.

Congratulations to: Acclaim FCU, Carolina Foothills FCU, Emergency Responders CU, Healthshare CU, Mid Carolina CU, Revity CU, SPC CU, Summit CU, and TCP CU.

Contact the Foundation:

Lauren Whaley, President | 919-600-8219 | E-mail |

Jeff Hardin, Director of Collaborative Programs | 336-601-1764 | E-mail |

Aisha Everett-Khalif, Director of Strategy & Communication | 678-849-9677 | E-mail |

Melody Fisher, Program Coordinator | E-mail |

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 20 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.