We are excited to introduce the 2026 Elevate Awards, to honor the people, initiatives, and innovations that bring the cooperative spirit of the credit union movement to life.
Credit unions thrive because of the passion, creativity, and dedication of those who advance our mission every day. The Elevate Awards celebrate that work—whether it’s delivering exceptional member service, championing financial well-being, strengthening communities through philanthropy, or finding new ways to demonstrate the “People Helping People” philosophy that defines who we are.
Nominations for the awards must be received by Friday, March 20. Contact Julia Miller, MnCUN Director of Communications with questions.
Credit unions thrive because of the passion, creativity, and dedication of those who advance our mission every day. The Elevate Awards celebrate that work—whether it’s delivering exceptional member service, championing financial well-being, strengthening communities through philanthropy, or finding new ways to demonstrate the “People Helping People” philosophy that defines who we are.
Nominations for the awards must be received by Friday, March 20. Contact Julia Miller, MnCUN Director of Communications with questions.
Outstanding Professional and Director of the Year
- Outstanding Professional of the Year recognizes the notable service of one outstanding credit union professional who has selflessly given time, effort and talent to the support and promotion of the credit union mission and who has gone above and beyond to improve the credit union culture in Minnesota.
- Outstanding Director of the Year is given to one extraordinary credit union board member who best exemplifies the credit union spirit through dedication to, and belief in, the credit union movement. Criteria for nomination include involvement in the credit union movement at local and state levels, and participation in other activities that support the credit union mission.
Recipients of the Outstanding Professional and Director of the Year awards will be recognized with a video tribute at the ACCELERATE 26 conference in April.
Outstanding Creative Achievement and Outstanding Service & Impact Awards
The Outstanding Creative Achievement Award celebrates marketing work that showcases exceptional originality, craftsmanship, and strategic impact within the credit union movement. This honor recognizes campaigns or projects that use bold ideas, compelling storytelling, and purposeful creativity to elevate the credit union brand, engage members, while maintaining a commitment to advance cooperative values. Projects will be evaluated within asset size categories, with budget considerations taken into account to ensure fair and equitable comparison.
The Outstanding Service & Impact Award honors outstanding initiatives that demonstrate the credit union commitment to people helping people through meaningful community impact. This award recognizes programs, partnerships, or outreach efforts that significantly improve the well-being of members or the broader community. Projects will be evaluated within asset size categories, with budget considerations taken into account to ensure fair and equitable comparison. Judging will consider the strategy and objectives behind the initiative, as well as the measurable results achieved relative to the credit union’s size, community needs, and marketplace position. Winning entries reflect exceptional dedication to service, collaboration, and the cooperative spirit that defines the credit union movement.
MnCUN Member credit unions can submit one entry for each award. (One entry for Creative Achievement and one entry for Service & Impact).
The Outstanding Service & Impact Award honors outstanding initiatives that demonstrate the credit union commitment to people helping people through meaningful community impact. This award recognizes programs, partnerships, or outreach efforts that significantly improve the well-being of members or the broader community. Projects will be evaluated within asset size categories, with budget considerations taken into account to ensure fair and equitable comparison. Judging will consider the strategy and objectives behind the initiative, as well as the measurable results achieved relative to the credit union’s size, community needs, and marketplace position. Winning entries reflect exceptional dedication to service, collaboration, and the cooperative spirit that defines the credit union movement.
MnCUN Member credit unions can submit one entry for each award. (One entry for Creative Achievement and one entry for Service & Impact).
