The Hero Awards is the Foundation's opportunity to celebrate outstanding individuals and organizations, those making a transformational impact on the credit union movement. Nominations are now being accepted in four categories: Lifetime Achievement; Individual Achievement; Partner in Philanthropy; and Advancing Equity. Each award category honors the exceptional leadership, innovation, philanthropy, and dedication to the 8th Cooperative Principle.

Submit your nomination letter via email to Lauren Whaley by September 26, 2025. 

Click here for more details on all of the Foundation's award categories. 

Save the date! The Foundation’s Awards Gala is set for February 11, 2026. You don’t want to miss it!

We can’t wait for the INSPIRE Boutique at INSPIRE 2025! Not only will you discover unique gifts and one-of-a-kind finds, but every purchase fuels The Period Project, Girl Scouts, Hornets'​ Nest Council's SheBiz, and Designed For Joy.

And here’s the best part, The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation will match all funds raised, doubling the good for these amazing causes!

Whether you’re seeking fresh ideas, powerful connections, or a renewed sense of purpose, INSPIRE is where leadership, collaboration, and growth come together.

Help make the 21st Annual Carolinas Cup Golf Championship & Auction a success! We’re seeking donations of travel packages, experiences, sports memorabilia, designer items, and more.

All proceeds benefit Victory Junction, bringing joy and healing to children with serious illnesses.

Interested in donating? Please email Lauren Whaley or Tracy Moll.

The Carolinas CUDE Network are strong promoters of the National Credit Union Foundation’s CUDE program through its CUDE Scholarship program, managed by the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation and available to Carolinas credit unions. Your purchase of an Umbrella Man t-shirt or sweatshirt directly supports scholarships that will help credit union professionals across the Carolinas attain their CUDE designation. 

Orders must be received by October 9.

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 |

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.