Helene Response: Phase II Disaster Relief Funding Now Available | |
The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation's disaster relief efforts are at the heart of what we do to strengthen financial stability for credit union employees, volunteers and families. Following Hurricane Helene's destruction in the Carolinas and over the course of several weeks, $627,796 in disaster relief grants were distributed to 696 credit union employees and volunteers during our Phase I recovery efforts. The Foundation raised EVERY dollar that was disbursed thanks to the generosity of so many individuals, credit unions and industry supporters.
We invite you to watch the video below highlighting the impact of the Foundation's disaster relief program.
| An additional $200,000 received from CUAid at the National Credit Union Foundation is now being deployed in our Phase II efforts for those who are still facing financial challenges because of Hurricane Helene. Phase II funding provides up to $2,500 in financial support for employees and volunteers who have damage to their home that is not covered by insurance or other sources of relief aid. |
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Awards Gala celebrates the impact of heroes and credit unions | Our Annual Awards Gala was a smashing success, celebrating the heart of credit unions and the philanthropic support of our communities. Click here to view all the pictures taken, read more about our honorees, watch the Hero Awards videos, and if you want, re-live the Gala experience. A special thanks to our incredible sponsors for supporting the work of the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation and for making a memorable night possible! |
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Vizo Financial Empowerment Grant
Available to CUs of all asset sizes
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Credit unions of all asset sizes can now apply for funding to establish and expand programs and/or partnerships to increase financial literacy, reduce dependency on predatory loans, and strengthen personal financial management. These initiatives must empower individuals and communities while enhancing financial and economic wellbeing. Stronger consideration will be given to small credit unions with budgeting constraints.
Vizo Financial Corporate Credit Union has committed $50,000 to this year's empowerment grant program. The deadline to apply is June 13th and proposals can be submitted for up to $10,000 in awarded grant funds.
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CUsTogether Registration Opens
Poverty Simulation returns & scholarships for emerging leaders
| The CUsTogether Conference is excited to welcome registrants for the 2025 conference, featuring exciting new and returning speakers, an engaging young professional panel, and the Foundation's Poverty Simulation as an optional pre-conference session. The goal of the CUsTogether Confernce is to promote education, leadership development and networking within credit unions. Nick Wodogaza, former president and CEO of Palmetto Citizens FCU and now CUsTogether Conference leader, is proud to donate the proceeds of the event to the Carolinas Foundation. Since the conference started in 2019, more than $100,000 has been donated to the Foundation to further its impact. | |
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Apply for a Scholarship to CUsTogether!
The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation is offering an Emerging Leader scholarship valued at $1,250! Employees from credit unions of all asset sizes are invited to apply. Applications are due on April 4 and must include an endorsement letter from the CEO or manager. For more details and to apply, click here.
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Foundation Board Appoints New Directors
Call for Candidates issued ahead of Annual Meeting
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The Foundation Board of Directors is pleased to announce the election of a new Executive Committee and the appointment of two new members. One vacancy remains and a call for candidates has been issued. For individuals interested in serving on the Foundation's Board of Directors, a Declaration of Candidacy form must be completed and submitted by March 31, 2025 for consideration by the Nominating Committee. The Annual Meeting of the Board & Members is slated for April 23, 2025.
The Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the departing board members David Brehmer, Eric Gelly and Jennifer Parker for their dedicated service and unwavering support.
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Terri Hendrix, CCUE, CUDE, PhDE, International CUDE,
EVP Chief Engagement Officer
Carolina Foothills FCU
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Fred Eisel
President / CEO
Vizo Financial Corporate CU
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Help Members Thrive: Become a Certified Financial Counselor in 2025
Scholarships available for small CUs
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In partnership with the Carolinas League, registration for the 2025 Enhanced Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) is open now through March 24, 2025. As the need for financial counseling grows, FiCEP ensures credit unions are prepared to provide meaningful support to their communities. In the last five years alone, over 150 credit union professionals in the Carolinas have earned their certification through Enhanced FiCEP and found immense value in the program as they empower members to take control of their financial futures.
With the Foundation's support, participants enjoy a cost savings of $350! The registration fee includes webinars, self-study materials, a new live-guided study session, and a proctored exam. Additional information and recorded sessions from last year's FiCEP program are available on the Foundation's "Tools for Credit Unions" webpage.
Additionally, the Hamilton Fund is offering grants to small credit unions to cover the full registration cost (limited to one registration per credit union).
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Whaley Appointed to National Credit Union Foundation Board of Directors | |
The National Credit Union Foundation is pleased to welcome five new Board members, including Lauren Whaley with the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation.
"I am deeply honored to join the National Credit Union Foundation Board of Directors and to contribute to its mission of financial well-being for all," noted Whaley. "The credit union movement is rooted in collaboration and a shared commitment to addressing the root causes of financial inequity. The National Foundation embodies this philosophy by not only giving back but also creating sustainable pathways to financial empowerment that strengthen individuals, families, and communities. I look forward to working alongside dedicated leaders to advance this critical work and make a meaningful impact."
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Congratulations to our 2025
CUDE Scholarship Winners
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The Carolinas Foundation awarded four recipients with CUDE scholarships to attend the National Credit Union Foundation's Credit Union Development Educator training in 2025. Congratulations to Cassandra Russell (South Carolina Federal Credit Union), Travis Hall (South Carolina National Guard Federal Credit Union), and Bethany Blanton and Lindy Howell, (both from Skyla Credit Union). Each scholarship, valued at $3,000 per person, covers the cost of attendance to one of the four in-person DE trainings in 2025. Click for more details on the CUDE scholarship program.
In early February, Travis Hall, President & CEO of South Carolina Federal Credit Union, attended DE and recalls his experience.
"I am so appreciative for the opportunity to attend DE training. It was eye-opening to team up with others from around the country to do a deep dive into the development issues that impact so many in our communities. DE gets to the heart of our industry – people helping people – and highlights that while our Credit Unions have done some great things, there is still much to be done."
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Flash Sale on CU FinHealth Registration | |
Through Friday, March 7th register for the CU FinHealth Conference and receive a 50% off code to provide to a colleague! Returning in its 9th year, this conference will focus on how credit unions are committing to financial health across their organizations, how they are assessing what’s working and what’s not, how they are addressing specific financial well-being issues, and the measurable actions they are taking to move the needle on employee, member, and community financial health. | |
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In episode #46 of The Global Credit Union Podcast, World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) Vice President of International Advocacy, Paul Andrews, and WOCCU International Advocacy and Regulatory Counsel, Erin O’Hern, discuss the impact of the U.S. freeze on foreign aid and how WOCCU is mobilizing to safeguard the future of international credit union development.
Credit unions in the Carolinas have a strong tradition of engagement in the international credit union system. From individuals earning their International Credit Union Development Educator designation to welcoming credit union leaders from across the globe for knowledge exchange, and even fundraising efforts for displaced Ukrainian credit unions following Russia’s invasion, local credit unions have demonstrated their commitment to the cooperative movement on a global scale.
As we celebrate the International Year of Cooperatives, this moment underscores the importance of standing in solidarity with credit unions worldwide.
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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 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.
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