Mark your calendars now for the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation’s 2025 Awards Gala, our premier fundraising event, as we celebrate the credit union difference in action! Last year, we welcomed over 300 attendees and honored four Hero Award winners and 32 Credit Union Award winners for outstanding commitment to social responsibility, financial education, and the credit union philosophy. You will be inspired by the people and institutions making a powerful impact across the Carolinas!

The prestigious Desjardins, Dora Maxwell, and Louise Herring Awards, created by CUNA (now America’s Credit Unions), honor credit unions making a real impact through community service, financial education, and living the credit union philosophy. Each summer, credit unions across the Carolinas submit nominations, which are reviewed by a volunteer committee and celebrated at the Foundation’s Awards Gala during the LAUNCH Conference.

Applications for the 2024–2025 Credit Union Awards cycle are open now through August 21, 2025. 

More about the awards…

Desjardins Youth and Adult Financial Education Awards

Celebrates credit unions that promote financial literacy for all ages, with separate awards for youth and adult programs, in honor of credit union pioneer Alphonse Desjardins.

Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Award

Honors credit unions and chapters for outstanding community service and outreach, inspired by activist Dora Maxwell’s legacy of serving the underserved.

Louise Herring Philosophy in Action Award

Recognizes credit unions that deeply integrate the credit union philosophy into daily operations, reflecting Louise Herring’s belief in people-first principles.

Each year, the Foundation honors people and organizations who have made or continue to make a transformational impact on the credit union movement. Hero Award winners are honored at the Foundation’s Awards Gala each year. 

Nominations for the following awards categories are accepted:

Lifetime Achievement Award

Honors a retired or retiring professional or volunteer whose lifelong leadership and innovation have made a lasting impact on the credit union movement locally, nationally, or globally.

Individual Achievement Award

Recognizes a professional or volunteer for significant contributions and innovation within the past 3–5 years that continue to benefit the credit union community.

Partner in Philanthropy Award

Celebrates a credit union, chapter, business partner, or service provider for outstanding philanthropic commitment and living the “people helping people” philosophy.

Advancing Equity Award

Recognizes individuals or organizations that champion DEI and the 8th Cooperative Principle through inclusive policies, programs, and leadership that foster belonging and equity across the credit union industry and community.

Please submit a one-page (or longer) nomination letter highlighting why the individual or organization deserves a 2025 Hero Award. Include key achievements, leadership roles, success stories, and other honors. For the Partner in Philanthropy category, be sure to emphasize community impact and commitment to cooperative principles.

Email nominations to Lauren Whaley at lwhaley@carolinasfoundation.org by September 26, 2025.