Category: Foundation

Deadline for Fall CUDE Scholarship Approaching

7/27/2021

The MnCU Foundation is proud to offer a CUDE Scholarship this year. This scholarship was created to provide financial assistance to credit union staff and/or volunteers who are members of the Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN) and wish to attend the National Credit Union Foundation’s Credit Union Development Educator Training. Preference will be given to applicants that have shown engagement with the credit union movement.

Application Deadline: July 30, 2021
Scholarship recipient will be notified by August 6, 2021
Fall Virtual DE Training Dates: October 18-November 12, 2021 (The MnCUF CUDE scholarship winner will have a spot reserved.)

A program of the National Credit Union Foundation, the CUDE program 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.

To apply, visit mncun.org/cudeapp.

Minnesota Credit Union Foundation Annual Meeting Held

7/27/2021

The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation) held its Annual Meeting on July 22, 2021.

Board Chair Kathy Harrington, of Heartland Credit Union, reported on the efforts of the Foundation in 2020. In spite of the challenges of the pandemic, the Foundation is pleased to report a successful year.

Focused on financial education and professional development initiatives, the Foundation provides the resources for credit unions and communities to prosper and thrive through financial education for members and communities, professional development for credit union employees, and disaster relief for the wider credit union community.

Photo: Outgoing MnCUF Chair Kathy Harrington and Foundation Board Member Tom Smith

Photo: Outgoing MnCUF Chair Kathy Harrington and Foundation Board Vice Chair Dana Garrett

The following highlights the Foundation’s efforts in 2020:

Responded to COVID-19 by launching a $65,000 grant pool to assist credit unions under $100 million in assets with Pandemic Relief grants.
Hosted third year of CUNA Enhanced Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) in Minnesota in partnership with Mark Lynch and CU Difference.
Honored four Credit Union Builders.
Awarded over $21,000 in professional development and financial education grants.
Held a strategic planning session which helped reinforce the Foundation’s mission and align the work of the Foundation with MnCUN’s 50x30 goal.

While the Credit Unions for Kids and Foundation Scholarship Council’s events were affected by the pandemic, both Foundation Committees were able to fulfill their missions – to provide funding to Gillette Children’s Hospital and hold the annual scholarship program on behalf of Minnesota’s Credit Unions.

The Board Election was held. Doug Ralston of Centricity Credit Union and Glen Durbahn of Hiway Credit Union were both re-elected for 3-year terms. Kim Westphal of HomeTown Credit Union was also elected to her first 3-year term to fill Kathy Harrington’s seat.

Kathy Harrington, after serving nine years, has termed off the Foundation Board. She was recognized at the meeting for both her dedicated service and her time as Chair.

As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization, the Foundation is dependent on the support of Minnesota credit unions, employees, partners, and community organizations. Visit mncun.org/foundation for a copy of the 2020 Annual Report.

MnCU Foundation to Offer Fall 2021 CUDE Scholarship

7/6/2021

The MnCU Foundation is proud to open the CUDE Scholarship. This scholarship was created to provide financial assistance to credit union staff and/or volunteers who are members of the Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN) and wish to attend the National Credit Union Foundation’s Credit Union Development Educator Training. Preference will be given to applicants have shown engagement with the credit union movement.

Application Deadline: July 30, 2021
Scholarship recipient will be notified by August 6, 2021
Fall Virtual DE Training Dates: October 18-November 12, 2021 (The MnCUF CUDE scholarship winner will have a spot reserved.)

A program of the National Credit Union Foundation, the CUDE program 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.

To apply, visit mncun.org/cudeapp.

26th Annual CU for Kids Golf Tournament Raises Record Amount

6/15/2021

Despite sweltering heat, the 26th Annual CU 4 Kids Golf Tournament raised $27,172 - the highest recorded amount. 110 golfers representing credit unions and partners participated in the tournament at the Refuge Golf Club in Oak Grove, Minn.

100% of the proceeds from the Minnesota CU4Kids Golf Tournament supports Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul. Founded in 1995 and one of the longest running Minnesota credit union golf tournaments, the event has raised over a half-million dollars for the credit union-sponsored cause. The Minnesota CU4KIds committee would like to thank the event's Titanium level sponsors: Enterprise Car Sales, Wings Financial CU, Affinity Plus Federal CU.

If you didn’t get a chance to join us on the links but still want to support the cause, you can donate online: https://web.mncun.org/webinput/cu4kidsdonation.aspx

The 13th Annual Bowl-O-Rama will be held on October 20th at Splitrocks in Wyoming, Minn.

For more information, visit the CU4Kids webpage: https://www.mncun.org/cu4kids.html

Join the Financial Well-being for All Minnesotans Webinar: June 23

6/8/2021

There’s a lot of talk about financial well-being for all. A lot. You see it in the credit union trade press. You hear it at conferences. What exactly is financial well-being for all? How does it concern you and affect your role in the credit union? What are the opportunities in Minnesota to rethink how you help members lead their best financial lives? Join National Credit Union Foundation Executive Director Gigi Hyland to talk about financial well-being for all and get actionable ideas to make this a key part of your strategy moving forward.

This program is generously sponsored by the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation and will be offered at no charge for MnCUN member credit union employees.

Financial Well-being for All: Minnesota Credit Union Foundation Webinar

6/1/2021

Dawson Co-op Credit Union Honors Gene Sis as a CU Builder

6/1/2021

The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation (MnCUF) and Dawson Co-op Credit Union are proud to recognize Gene Sis as a CU Builder for his service to the credit union movement.

Gene Sis has served as Board member of Dawson Co-op for the past eighteen years, including the last nine years as Board Chair.

"Gene's leadership has been a valuable contribution in the growth of the credit union assets from $30 million to the current $238 million," said John Nevins, Manager of Dawson Credit Union.

Created in 2008, 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. Dedications are typically made at a time of significance to acknowledge an individual’s contributions to credit unions.

In total, 79 individuals have been designated as Credit Union Builders over the past nine years. 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.

Contact Andrea Molnau, Executive Director of the MnCUF with questions.

You Invest in Us. We Invest in You.

5/25/2021

Invest in the Community Investment Fund (CIF) or Charitable Donation Account (CDA) to support the improvement of member financial well-being. These unique investments provide credit unions the opportunity to donate a portion of the dividends earned to both the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation and the National Credit Union Foundation.

Grant programs at both Foundations support initiatives designed to directly improve the lives of credit union members. Services include financial literacy education, professional training, and emergency assistance – on both the state and national levels.

For more information on how the CIF and CDA programs work, please visit the National Credit Union Foundation website or contact Andrea Molnau, Executive Director, Minnesota Credit Union Foundation by email or by phone at 651-288-5527.

Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union Honors Carol Tower as a CU Builder

5/25/2021

The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation (MnCUF) and Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union (MMFCU) are proud to recognize Carol Tower as a CU Builder in memoriam of her service to the credit union movement. Carol’s family was presented the award at MMFCU’s Annual Meeting last week.

"In her role as Executive Assistant, Carol’s efforts as Grassroots Coordinator set an example for political advocacy within MMFCU, the Minnesota Credit Union Network and at a federal level," said Chuck Albrecht, Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union President/CEO. "Carol is and will be missed."

Locally, MMFCU was recognized for multiple years as having the highest percentage of employees and members participating in GREAT (Grassroots Education and Action Team).

Carol annually organized and participated in CU Day at the Capitol, passionately sharing her love for credit unions and stories of member impact with local lawmakers and statewide leaders.

Nationally, GAC and Hike the Hill events were regularly attended by Carol. "When our Board Chair travelled with Carol to Washington DC, she was so impressed by Carol’s advocacy for the credit union movement and how many people knew Carol and her passion for the credit union movement," continued Albrecht.

Created in 2008, 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. Dedications are typically made at a time of significance to acknowledge an individual’s contributions to credit unions.

Mark Cummins with Carol's family and MMFCU President/CEO Chuck Albrecht

In total, 79 individuals have been designated as Credit Union Builders over the past nine years. 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.

Contact Andrea Molnau, Executive Director of the MnCUF with questions.

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