The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation is excited to announce that registration is now open for the summer session of Exploring Why™: 
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM 
Central Lakes College, 501 West College Dr., Brainerd, MN 56401 

Exploring Why™ is the National Credit Union Foundation’s highly regarded experiential training that helps credit union professionals connect deeply with our cooperative principles and purpose. This in-person, interactive workshop draws from the Foundation’s acclaimed Development Education (DE) Program and is designed for employees at all levels.

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation, this session is free for staff of MnCUN member credit unions.

Participants will walk away with:

• A deeper understanding of what sets credit unions apart—and how that difference impacts operations, service, and strategy.
• The ability to articulate both their personal “why” and their organization’s purpose.
• Inspiration to drive meaningful impact and member value through their work.

Don’t delay - registration deadline is Monday, July 7.

Due to strong interest, the Foundation is pleased to offer this program twice in 2025. A second session will take place in the Iron Range area this fall—stay tuned for details and registration later this year.
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Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the “why” behind what we do—and how you can help shape the future of the credit union movement.

The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation reminds credit unions that several grant opportunities are available to support credit unions in serving their members and communities through innovative and impactful projects.

Applications are accepted year-round, and we encourage eligible credit unions to take advantage of these resources.

Small Credit Union Technology Assistance Grant 
This grant provides funding to help small credit unions (under $100 million in assets) enhance their technology to better serve members and support organizational growth. 

​Eligible projects include:

• Hardware and software upgrades
• Mobile and online banking enhancements
• Website improvements and anti-fraud tools

 
Financial Inclusion Grant
This grant supports efforts to improve access and inclusion in financial services, particularly for underserved communities.
 
Potential projects include:

• Demographic analysis and outreach through partners like Coopera
• CDFI certification assistance
• Internal staff training
• Community engagement initiatives

 
Financial Education Grant
The Financial Education Grant helps credit unions deliver high-impact financial education programs in their communities.
 
Examples of eligible initiatives:

• Community financial literacy outreach
• Curriculum development
• Experiential learning such as reality fairs or in-school branches

For additional information and applications, visit Grants | Minnesota Credit Union Foundation | mncun.org and scroll down “Credit Union Grants.” Let the Foundation help support your next great idea!

Be part of the celebration! Join us in honoring the 100th anniversary of credit unions by purchasing a limited-edition 100th anniversary logo polo shirt. A portion of the sales will support the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation, helping to continue our mission of supporting financial well-being.

Get your shirt now - the fundraiser ends June 7! Orders will arrive around June 24.
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Every shirt purchased supports financial education, professional development, and community empowerment — all while commemorating 100 years of cooperative impact.

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• Men's and Women's Styles Available
• Sizes for all
• All proceeds go to the MnCU Foundation
• Ships directly to you​

Let’s wear our credit union pride loud and proud — and help fuel the next 100 years of impact! Thank you for supporting the Foundation and celebrating this historic milestone with us!

​The Foundation supports financial well-being through grants, community partnerships, professional development, and disaster relief initiatives. Its work is guided by a seven-member board representing credit unions of all sizes and regions across Minnesota.

In addition to advancing the Foundation’s core pillars of financial education and professional growth, the Board also provides oversight to the Foundation Scholarship Council (FSC) and Minnesota Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids) committees.

Since joining Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union in February 2023, Gerads has led the organization with a focus on sustainable growth and community engagement. His previous leadership roles at Falcon National Bank and Central Minnesota Credit Union further reflect his commitment to driving growth, community engagement, and financial stewardship. Outside of his professional role, he is an active member of the Christian Business Men’s Connection and has volunteered in youth and high school sports for over 20 years—highlighting his passion for mentorship and community involvement.

​With his blend of industry experience, principled leadership, and dedication to service, Gerads is well-positioned to support and advance the Foundation’s mission. 

HomeTown Credit Union and the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation are proud to recognize Kim Westphal with a Credit Union Builder Award. The Credit Union Builder Award honors an individual’s dedication to the success, growth, and vitality of the not-for-profit financial movement in Minnesota. 

Kim Westphal has dedicated her career to HomeTown Credit Union, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to its growth and success. Starting as a teller while attending college, she quickly realized her passion for the credit union movement and steadily advanced through various leadership roles.
​Kim has overseen remarkable expansion, guiding HomeTown from two branches serving select employee groups to four branches serving community members across 26 counties.

She has played a pivotal role in strengthening HomeTown’s foundation, from implementing innovative lending programs to launching Minnesota’s first high-school based student-run branch. Her leadership has not only ensured financial stability but also fostered a culture of service and excellence within the credit union.

Kim’s impact extends far beyond the walls of HomeTown Credit Union. She has been a driving force behind numerous strategic initiatives that have shaped the credit union’s future, including major system conversions, branch expansions, and the founding of HomeTown Insurance Professionals. She has also been a champion of financial education, leading efforts that earned HomeTown recognition for its outreach and community support. Her involvement with credit union advocates, such as the Minnesota Credit Union Network, its Hiawatha Chapter, and the Governmental Affairs Conference, reflects her dedication to advancing the credit union movement. Through mentorship, collaboration, and advocacy, Kim has helped shape policies and best practices that benefit credit unions across the state.

Over 100 individuals have been designated as Credit Union Builders since the award's inception. The names of the recipients and the contributing credit unions are permanently displayed in the Minnesota Credit Union Network’s lobby as a tribute to those who have dedicated time and energy to building the credit union movement.

​With questions, contact Andrea Molnau, Executive Director of the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation.

The Enhanced Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) teaches credit union staff how to counsel members so they can budget better, smartly save, pay down debt and plan for the future. Obtaining the training and associated credentials allows your credit union to differentiate itself from other financial institutions and be more confident in helping members build a stronger financial future.

The deadline to register is May 9, 2025.

The cohort-style training consists of 8 tutorial webinars, exam preparation, proctored exam, and program development training - taking place between June through September, 2025. Upon completion, participants will receive the Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation. Registration fees are per person and include all webinars, electronic format book (PDF), practice quizzes, a proctored exam, and the in-person workshop. 

Grant opportunities are available to assist with program cost. For the complete schedule visit Enchanced FiCEP Program | Minnesota Credit Union Foundation | mncun.org.

Please reach out to Andrea Molnau with questions.