​The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation is pleased to announce the following scholarship recipients. The GAC Scholarship was created to provide financial assistance to credit union staff or board directors who are members of the Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN) and wish to participate in America’s Credit Unions Governmental Affairs Conference. The following applicants were awarded scholarships:

• Andrea Silverman, Teamsters Credit Union
• Caitlin Brama, Farm Credit Employees Federal Credit Union
• Crystal Rylicki, Metropolitan Services Credit Union
• Crystal Schuman, West Metro Schools Credit Union
• Mary Matheson, Wakota Federal Credit Union

A program of the National Credit Union Foundation, Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) Training brings renewed relevance to the philosophy of "People Helping People." This unique and transformative training provides critical lessons in cooperative principles, credit union philosophy, and development issues, while incorporating challenges credit unions face today. The following applicants were awarded scholarships:

• Abby Olson, Minnco Credit Union
• Eunice Adjei, St. Cloud Financial Credit Union

​Congratulations to our scholarship recipients! For more information on professional development grant opportunities, visit mncun.org/foundation.

The Minnesota Credit Unions for Kids Committee invites all credit unions to participate in the 2025 Chain of Hearts fundraiser Jan. 2 to Feb. 28, 2025*. ​

​​The initiative benefits Minnesota and western Wisconsin’s Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, Gillette Children’s. Gillette Children’s treats kids with disabilities and complex medical conditions in all Minnesota counties and beyond.
During the fundraiser, credit union staff, members, and local businesses are encouraged to purchase paper links and hearts that are connected and hung in lobbies to help illustrate the "people helping people" philosophy of credit unions. All proceeds benefit Gillette Children's Hospital.

​​​To participate, credit unions simply fill out the registration form by Friday, December 13, 2024 and CU4Kids will provide Chain of Hearts materials at no cost. With questions, reach out to Director of Engagement, Xiong Lee
​
*Although these are the campaign dates, credit unions may participate during any time frame that best fits their calendar.

Based on the success of our collaborative efforts to support Arise Community Credit Union, the Foundation again invites credit unions, individuals, and other organizations to participate in further opportunities to grow the credit union movement with De Novo Credit Unions in Minnesota. 

MnCUN has been working to assist Tribe Federal Credit Union, founded by African American members who started as a lending club. Tribe is the first federal credit union to receive a charter under the NCUA’s provisional charter pilot initiative. This pilot allows credit union’s organizers to obtain a federal credit union charter and provides them 12 months to obtain the capital necessary to begin operations. A charter under the provisional pilot initiative does not authorize a credit union to accept member deposits or originate loans until the credit union obtains its targeted level of donated capital.

MnCU Foundation is currently supporting a capital drive for Tribe Federal Credit Union. And due to a special donation, contributions will be matched dollar for dollar up to $150,000 if made by June 30, 2025.

Credit union history and principles are rooted in serving the underserved and cooperation among cooperatives. Please consider contributing to this effort. To learn more about Tribe and make a contribution, visit mncun.org/denovo. 

​The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation (MnCUF) is excited to participate in the annual Give to the Max Day tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 21.

MnCUF provides grants, community partnerships, professional development and disaster relief to help the state's credit unions and communities prosper and thrive.

Now in its 16th year, Give to the Max Day has become Minnesota’s annual giving holiday, raising nearly $330 million in its first 15 years. Every year, thousands of organizations and individuals generate donations and excitement for Minnesota causes working to improve the quality of life for all Minnesotans. 

​Each donation through GiveMN.org qualifies MnCUF for additional grants from the Give to the Max Day prize pool, thanks to the continued generosity of the Bush Foundation. On Nov. 21, Give to the Max Day, GiveMN will award:

• $500 Early Giving Golden Tickets daily on Nov. 1-20
• $500 Golden Ticket prizes every 15 minutes on Nov. 21
• $1,000 Hourly Golden Ticket prizes hourly on Nov. 21
• $6,000 Power Hour Prizes, shared among the top three organizations based on the amount raised between 10:00–10:59 a.m. and 10:00–10:59 p.m.

​To support MnCUF on Give the Max Day, visit: Minnesota Credit Union Foundation Inc | GiveMN

The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation's (MnCUF) Professional Development Grants are available to credit union staff and board members for education and training to sustain the credit union movement. 

2025 Professional Development Grants are open through Nov. 15, 2024. The MnCUF Board will finalize awards and recipients will be notified no later than Dec. 31, 2024.  

​Grant categories include: 

• CUDE Scholarship 
  
• GAC Scholarship 
  
• Financial & Audit Professionals Grant
• FiCEP Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor
• Small Credit Union Grant 
• Other Professional Development Grant (May be used for MnCUN Major event registration and travel, Trailblazers, the Webinar Network, or other credit union industry specific education and training)

​​For more information on eligibility and to start an application, visit MnCUN's Submission Portal. Contact MnCUF Executive Director Andrea Molnau with questions.

The Minnesota Credit Unions for Kids 3rd annual CU4Kids Topgolf event raised nearly $14,000 benefiting Gillette Children’s Specialty Hospital.

The event was held at the Topgolf entertainment venue in Brooklyn Center, welcoming 97 attendees for an afternoon of driving golf balls and raising money for kids. 

​The Minnesota Credit Union for Kids Committee welcomed the 2024 Children's Miracle Network Champion, ZaLayaa Jahzara Wandrick to share the impact of grassroots fundraising.​

According to Gillette Children's, "ZaLayaa Jahzara is a wise-beyond-her-years 11-year-old who brings her creativity to every project – including the 2023 commemorative sticker for Gillette’s Walk & Roll event! She’s never afraid to try new things, despite living with multiple medical issues that impact her life daily."

​​Thank you to all the supporting credit unions and organizations who made this event possible and for benefiting Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul, Minnesota. Gillette provides specialized health care for children who have disabilities and complex medical conditions, helping them improve their health, achieve greater well-being, and enjoy life.

The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation's (MnCUF) Professional Development Grants are available to credit union staff and volunteers for education and training in order to sustain the credit union movement. 

2025 Professional Development Grants are open through Nov. 15, 2024. The MnCUF Board will finalize awards and recipients will be notified no later than Dec. 31, 2024. 

​Grant categories include:

• CUDE Scholarship
  
• GAC Scholarship 
  
• Financial & Audit Professionals Grant
• FiCEP Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor
• Small Credit Union Grant 
• Other Professional Development Grant (May be used for MnCUN Major event registration and travel, Trailblazers, the Webinar Network, or other credit union industry specific education and training)

​For more information on eligibility and to start an application, visit MnCUN's Submission Portal. Contact MnCUF Executive Director Andrea Molnau with questions.