Awards Gala '23 celebrates the impact of heroes and credit unions | The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation welcomed more than 300 attendees in early February to its inspirational annual Awards Gala, recognizing our Hero Award honorees and state-level winners. The Foundation would like to thank our many generous sponsors noted below for making this event possible! Read more >> | |
Vizo Financial Empowerment Grant:
Due March 15, 2024
Credit unions of all asset sizes can apply for funding to establish programs and/or partnerships to increase financial literacy, reduce dependency on predatory loans, strengthen personal financial mgmt and other initiatives that empower individuals and communities to improve their financial and economic wellbeing. Stronger consideration will be given to small CUs. Learn more and apply >>
| |
CUDEs host successful '20s Soiree, raising $9,000 for CU4Kids charity | |
On February 23, more than 60 credit union professionals joined the Carolinas CUDE Network to raise money for Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids), which supports Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The funds raised from the raffle, ticket sales and silent auction were boosted by two supporting gifts from Coastal Credit Union Foundation, and the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation, resulting in a total of $9,000 raised. Read More >> | |
New resourses for CU professionals!
The National Credit Union Foundation has launched the FinHealth Hub, an online community of financial well-being practitioners who are passionate about sharing their journeys and learning from each other.
Designed in a “master class” type of format, the goal of the FinHealth Hub is to have people learn, connect, and grow. In the platform, credit union professionals can:
-
LEARN: Take courses to learn about financial well-being for All.
-
CONNECT: Engage in a forum to collaborate on solving roadblocks and sharing resources.
-
GROW: Tap into resources and tools to help take action.
| |
NEW Streamlined Application Changes |  | |
Working in partnership with Summit Credit Union, the Foundation recently announced important changes to the Hamilton Professional Development Grants program. These changes aim to streamline the application and approval process for credit unions with under $100 million in assets. Credit unions may receive up to $1,000 per year for any approved professional development event(s) and associated travel expenses. The most notable change for 2024 includes year-round funding for small credit unions.
Other grant opportunities from the Hamilton Fund will remain, in addition to the $1,000 grant for professional development expenses, including:
- Performance Pros Consulting Package: value of $1,000
- TalentGuided Executive Coaching Package: value of $2,000
- TalentGuided Business Coaching Package: value of $1,000
- FiCEP: value of $695 (limited to one free registration per credit union)
To learn more about these changes as well as other benefits the Foundation offers, visit the small credit union grants page. Interested individuals can apply online for a Hamilton Grant.
| |
A tapestry of stories: League & Foundation staff highlight inspiring figures | Black History Month is a time for reflection, education, and celebration of the remarkable contributions made by Black individuals throughout history. In honor of Black history, members of the Carolinas Credit Union League & Foundation staff have shared personal reflections on inspiring Black leaders and cultural icons. Read More >> | |
Foundation Sponsors ALICE Report in SC | |
In late 2023, the Foundation helped fund the commissioned ALICE report in South Carolina through the state’s collective United Way agencies.
ALICE stands for Asset Limited Income Constrained and Employed. These households earn above the Federal Poverty Level but not enough to afford the basics in the communities in which they live. ALICE households are credit union members, credit union employees, and our friends. ALICE households are forced to make tough choices, such as deciding between quality childcare, putting food on the table, healthcare or paying the rent. Households of color are disproportionately ALICE.
This powerful data, available free-of-charge, can support credit union efforts in funding community non-profits, and forging partnerships with organizations focused on breaking down barriers and work to increase financial prosperity for all Carolinians. If you are a SC credit union, please take the opportunity to pull the data for your specific county.
The Foundation is working with the United Way of NC to support its commissioned report in 2024.
|  |  | |
Annual Meeting slated for April 4, 2024 | The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation’s Annual Meeting of the Members & Directors will be held virtually at 10:00 am on Thursday, April 4th, 2024. Please email Lauren Whaley at lwhaley@carolinasfoundation.org for meeting details. Those interested in serving on the Foundation’s Board of Directors may submit a Declaration of Candidacy form for consideration by the Nominating Committee. Forms must be submitted prior to March 1, 2024 for consideration. | |
Contact the Foundation:
Lauren Whaley, President | 919-600-8219 | E-mail |
Jeff Hardin, Director of Collaborative Programs | 336-601-1764 | 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 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.
| | | | |
