Each year, the Foundation recognizes the credit unions, organizations and individuals that exemplify the credit union philosophy through its annual Awards Gala fundraiser. Nominations are now open for two of the Foundation's signature award programs.

Credit Union Awards (awarded by asset size - Due August 20)

• Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Award: Recognizes credit unions and chapters for outstanding community service projects and activities.
• Louise Herring Philosophy in Action Award: Honors credit unions that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to incorporating the credit union philosophy into their daily operations.
• Desjardins Adult and Youth Financial Education Awards: Recognize outstanding financial education initiatives benefiting both youth and adults.

Hero Awards (awarded to individuals and organizations - Due Sept 24)

• Lifetime Achievement Award
• Individual Achievement Award
• Partner in Philanthropy Award
• Advancing Equity Award

Mark your calendar now! The Foundation's Annual Awards Gala will be held on February 10, 2027, and it is a night you will not want to miss. We look forward to celebrating the incredible people and organizations making our movement stronger every day.

Credit union leaders from across the country will gather September 22–23, 2026, in Denver, Colorado, for CU FinHealth26, the premier conference focused on advancing financial well‑being for credit union members, employees, and communities.

The robust two-day agenda is now posted featuring keynotes, breakout sessions, ideation workshops, group activities and more! Early bird registration ends August 8th!

“CU FinHealth is not just another conference; it is an opportunity to recommit to the ‘People Helping People’ mission and leave with practical strategies that can be put into action right away.”

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors and participants, the Foundation's Wine Pull and Raffle held last month was a huge success raising nearly $15,000 in support of scholarships and grants. More than 100 bottles of wine, each valued at over $30, were donated by sponsors and individuals for the wine pull, while a raffle for a Kiawah Island getaway donated by SC Federal added to the excitement. Cheers to all!

International Credit Union (ICU) Day® celebrates the spirit of the global credit union movement. The day is recognized to reflect upon the credit union movement's history, promote its achievements, recognize hard work and share member experiences.

New in 2026, is a grant program offering $10,000 to credit unions worldwide to bring financial literacy directly to their communities. Applications are open now through August 1, 2026, with recipients announced on ICU Day itself – October 15, 2026.

Visit the Worldwide Foundation's page for more details and to purchase your ICU Day pin and merch to support the global credit union movement. Bulk pin orders can be placed here to support both the Carolinas and Worldwide Foundations!

If you have been thinking about pursuing your Credit Union Development Education (CUDE) or International Credit Union Development Education (ICUDE) designation, now is the time to apply for a scholarship.

The CUDE program is built around the credit union difference, and graduates join a global community of more than 3,400 DEs committed to improving financial well-being for the people and communities they serve.

Applications are being accepted through October 1 for the Foundation's Technology and Capital Improvements Grant Program for small credit unions under $100 million in assets. $100,000 in funding is available with grants awarded up to $15,000. 

With a founding investment of $50,000 from the League and TruStage, the Foundation launched the Technology and Capital Improvement Grant Program in 2021. The League has continued to support that program every year since, and this year will mark $490,000 in grant funding!

The 2026 Principles & Philosophy Conference will take place October 20-22 at the Caraway Conference Center in Sophia, NC, and we are excited to be partnering with the Carolinas Credit Union League to bring this experience to credit union professionals. Registration is nearing capacity!

Planned and hosted by a volunteer group of Credit Union Development Educators from across North Carolina and South Carolina, this conference is unlike anything else in our industry. It is a deep dive into the cooperative business model, the Eight Cooperative Principles, and the social purpose that makes credit unions genuinely different. Attendees leave with a renewed sense of why this work matters and that energy shows up in the way they serve their members.

Scholarships are available for staff and volunteers at credit unions with $100 million or less in assets.

The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation and TruStage are thrilled to announce the return of the Carolinas Cup Golf Championship & Auction, taking place October 4–6, 2026, at the beautiful Grandover Resort & Spa in Greensboro, North Carolina. Now in its 22nd year, the Carolinas Cup continues its tradition of bringing together credit union professionals from across North and South Carolina for a weekend of competitive golf, networking, and charitable giving.

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!

Contact Tracy Moll or Lauren Whaley for details.

Contact the Foundation:

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

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

Aisha Everett, Director of Strategy & Communication | 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 to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaboration and philanthropic leadership. 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.