​The Credit Union Advocacy Fund provides resources to strongly position credit unions on the legislative and political fronts. The Advocacy Fund is proactive in nature, helping to create a strong credit union environment and augment MnCUN’s advocacy effort. Funds are employed for certain purposes, which can include grassroots mobilization and organization building; enhancing direct lobbying; influencing decision-makers through public affairs and public relations; helping to maintain Credit Union House on Capitol Hill; and supporting the National Advocacy Fund. As a restricted fund, expenditures are governed by a committee of credit unions and MnCUN staff. Solicitation for the Advocacy Fund occurs each year in conjunction with the issuance of the Network’s annual membership dues invoice, as well as on an as-needed basis

Contribution Programs: Support Credit Union-friendly Candidates

​The Credit Union Political Action Committee (CUPAC) and the Credit Union Legislative Action Committee (CULAC) raise funds to support credit union-friendly candidates at the state and federal levels, respectively.

​By contributing to CUPAC and CULAC, you are joining with credit union members and employees nationwide to ensure that credit unions have a voice when legislative and regulatory decisions are being made.
​The Credit Union Political Action Committee (CUPAC) is the political action committee that allows MnCUN to raise funds and support the candidacies of credit union supporters running for state office.​
​The Credit Union Legislative Action Committee, CULAC, is the Credit Union National Association's (CUNA's) federal PAC. CULAC raises funds to support credit union-friendly candidates running for office on the federal level. CUNA and MnCUN staff make joint decisions on CULAC expenditures based on candidates' past support of credit union issues, leadership positions, committee assignments and political viability.

Payroll Deduction

​Payroll Deduction: Automatically dedicate an amount of your choosing from your paycheck. Contact MnCUN Political Advocacy Director Ryan Smith by email or at (651) 288-5533.

Fundraising Programs and Recognition

​​Fair Share Fundraising: Endorsed by the MnCUN Political Involvement Committee (PIC), the Fair Share plan challenges each credit union in the state to financially support either CUPAC or CULAC by raising $30 per employee. 

​Capitol Club: Capitol Club is MnCUN’s recognition program for individuals who contribute $100 or more to CUPAC or CULAC. Capital Club members receive recognition at all Network events as well as a commemorative pin that identifies their membership level. 

CULAC Trustee Information


Brian Sherrick, President & CEO of Ideal Credit Union, is Minnesota's CULAC Trustee. CULAC, the Credit Union Legislative Action Council, is the political action committee (PAC) that supports credit union-friendly candidates running for federal office. Trustees serve as the liaison between their state league and CULAC and are elected to two-year terms. Their goal is to increase credit union involvement in CULAC and political activities. Trustees are also responsible for the governance of CULAC in pursuit of a stronger federal political action committee for all credit unions.

Under Federal Election Commission (FEC) rules, the Minnesota Credit Union Network must have a signed Permission Agreement on file for your credit union board members, and executive or administrative employees to participate in any CULAC-related event. 

Contributions to America’s Credit Unions PAC are not tax deductible. All contributions are voluntary and will be used for political purposes. You have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal. Guidelines contained herein are merely suggestions. You may contribute more or less than the guidelines suggest, and America’s Credit Unions will not favor nor disadvantage you by reason of the amount of your contribution or a decision not to contribute. 

CUPAC Contributions to CUPAC are not tax deductible for state or federal income tax purposes. Contributions are strictly voluntary and will be used for political purposes. You have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal.  The contributions levels are merely suggestions. You have the right to refuse to contribute more or less than the suggested amount.  MnCUN will not disadvantage anyone by reason of the amount of their contribution or their decision not to contribute.  State election law requires the reporting of contributions of more than $100 to CUPAC in a calendar year.