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At this year’s INSPIRE Conference hosted by the Carolinas League & other partners, the true spirit of people helping people through giving and service was on full display. Attendees supported three remarkable nonprofits, The Period Project, Girl Scouts Hornets’ Nest Council, and Designed for Joy, collectively raising $3,797, which the Foundation matched for a total impact of $7,594 in grants. From assembling 1,000 Period Packs to uplifting young entrepreneurs and women in crisis, it was evident that the cooperative spirit couple with compassion create lasting change. Together, we will continue to build brighter, more equitable communities across the Carolinas.
We hope to see you in Savannah, GA, October 26-28, for INSPIRE 2026!
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21st Annual Carolinas Cup - SC Wins!
Auction & Proceeds to Benefit Victory Junction
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It was a beautiful few days visiting Victory Junction and playing two rounds of golf, with South Carolina pulling out a win in the friendly Carolinas Cup tournament between the two states!
More than 100 golfers, volunteers, and auction attendees participated in this year’s event, with all proceeds benefiting Victory Junction. Nearly $75,000 was raised during the auction alone, with a final fundraising total to be announced by the Foundation in the coming weeks.
A special thanks to all of this year’s participants and sponsors for making the 21st Annual Carolinas Cup one of the most memorable championships yet!
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SCHOLARSHIP PORTAL NOW OPEN
CU Members Invited to Apply by February 1st
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The Foundation's Scholarship Application portal is NOW OPEN through February 1st! Each year, hundreds of students across the Carolinas receive need-based and academic scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000, thanks to the generosity of credit unions and the Foundation.
Don't miss sharing this opportunity with your members!
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GET YOUR UMBRELLA MAN MERCH
Place Your Order by October 10!!
| | The Carolinas CUDE Network are strong promoters of the National Credit Union Foundation’s DE program through its CUDE Scholarship program. Your purchase of an Umbrella Man t-shirt or sweatshirt directly supports scholarships that will help credit union industry professionals across the Carolinas obtain their CUDE designation. | | Development Issues Workshop Update | Please note, the Development Issues Workshop has been postponed to Spring 2026. Stay tuned for updated dates and more details. |
Central SC Chapter Donates Over $6K
The Foundation matched fundraising total!
| The Central SC Chapter of the Carolinas Credit Union League raised nearly $3,700 for Final Victory Animal Rescue through its Sweepstakes Night and monthly meeting collections. Thanks to a $2,500 Community Grant match from the Foundation, the total donation reached $6,200, plus 144 much-needed items like treats, toys, and puppy pads. | |
SAVE THE DATE - Annual Awards Gala
February 11, 2025
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Mark your calendars for February 11, 2026, when we’ll celebrate excellence at the Foundation’s Annual Awards Gala, held in conjunction with the League’s LAUNCH Conference. This signature event honors our Credit Union and Hero Award recipients, and recognizes the people and programs that make the credit union movement in the Carolinas shine.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
| | Recent News from the Foundation | |
Credit Union Community Impact Stories | | Upcoming Events & Deadlines | |

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SAVE THE DATE - Annual Awards Gala - February 11, 2026
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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 |
Aisha Everett-Khalif, Director of Strategy & Communication | 678-849-9677 | E-mail |
Melody Fisher, Program Coordinator | 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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