Giving Back

Official Newsletter of the Illinois Credit Union Foundation

For a PDF version of this newsletter, click here.

ICUF Disaster Relief Available to CU Staff, Volunteers Impacted by Kankakee Tornado

The ICU Foundation has disaster relief assistance available to credit unoin staff members and volunteers who were impacted by the tornado and storm which swept through the area on March 10, 2026.  Funding is available to help handle urgent needs which are not covered by insurance or other sources.  Click here for details and the application form. Application deadline is May 15, 2026.

ICUF Board Names Golf Outing “John Fiore Golf Classic” to Honor Long-Time Director

The ICU Foundation Board has named its annual golf outing the “John Fiore Golf Classic” to honor long-time director upon his retirment from the board and for his nearly 40 years of service. He joined the ICUF Board in 1987 when it became independent from the ICUL Executive Committee.  He also served as board chair twice from 1989-1991 and 2020-2022.

Upon hearing the news, John said “Wow, that is exciting news ! I would have never dreamed of having such an honor bestowed to me. I’m truly humbled to have the Foundation Golf Outing named after me. As you know the Foundation and golf have always been special to me and it’s great to have them both celebrated with my name.”

Join us on for the John Fiore Golf Classic on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Bliss Creek Golf Course in Sugar Grove.  Registration will open in late spring.

CU FinHealth – September 22-23 – Registration Open

Registration is open for CU FinHealth, co-hosted by the ICU Foundation, is set for September 22-23, 2026 in Denver, CO.  This hands-on conference is designed to help you take actionable steps on your financial health journey—whether you're just starting or looking to build on existing efforts. It focuses on how credit unions are driving financial health across their organizations, measuring success, addressing key issues, and taking impactful actions to improve financial well-being for employees, members, and communities.  Scholarships are available from the ICU Foundation for this event!

2026 CUFEN Conference – July 26-29

The Credit Union Financial Education Network (CUFEN) will host its annual confernece July 26-29, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas.  CUFEN, formerly known as the National Youth Involvement Board, expanded its mission and purpose from youth financial education to reaching all ages with financial education. In addition to their annual conference, the group also collects data regarding the number of financial education presentations conducted by credit unions

REMINDERS

ICUF Enhanced FiCEP 2026

Registration for the ICU Foundation’s Enhanced FiCEP Program main cohort ended on February 27.  Individuals who want to participate in the program during the remainder of the year can still sign up by selecting “other” for the start date.  Need to recertify?  We’ve got you covered with a discounted registration fee.  FiCEP 2026 Information & Registration online

ICUF Scholarships & Grants

The ICU Foundation offers Grants of up to $10,000 to cover a wide variety of projects to help credit unions grow and expand their services. ICU Foundation Scholarships can be used for a wide variety of education programs. All ICUL-affiliated CUs are eligible, and applications are accepted year-round. We encourage you to apply early in the year since funds are available and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Check out the scholarship & grant details online.

Reality Fair Programs

Teen Reality Fairs teach students how to manage money and the importance of a budget or spending plan. The Bite of Reality program and resources, offered by the ICU Foundation at no cost to credit unions, is available in a variety of formats (app-based, computer-accessible, and paper packets).  Retirement Reality Fairs are similar to Teen Fairs except the participants can use their real-life situations instead of pretend scenarios when planning for the future. The Retire on Track program and resources are provided by the ICU Foundation at no cost to credit unions. Learn about Reality Fairs & Access FREE Resources

Interact With Peers

• ICUL Financial Education Peer Group – The Illinois Credit Union League offers a Communities feature on its website which enables peer group members to ask questions and share information with one another. Check it out today!
• Credit Union Foundations Network – A networking group for credit union leaders that are managing, leading, or looking to launch a grant-making foundation in association with their credit union.  CUs from throughout the country gather for monthly virtual meetings to discuss their work. Join their LinkedIn Group here.
• Financial Well-Being Connection – A networking group for financial well-being practitioners, especially coaches, counselors, and trainers. CUs from throughout the country gather for monthly virtual meetings to discuss their work. Join their LInkedIn Group here..

ICUF Commemorative Awards

The ICU Foundation’s Commemorative Program is a moving way to acknowledge a special person or credit union, while also supporting the credit union movement. Honor an individual’s memory, recognize a colleague’s professional accomplishments or celebrate your credit union’s milestones.  Learn more and check out the video highlighting 2025 awards.

2026 Events & Important Dates

ICU Foundation Board of Directors

Chair – Kerriann Mills, BCU

Vice-Chair – Susan Toalson McGinty, U of I Community CU

Secretary/Treasurer – Amber Scott, 1st MidAmerica CU

Michelle Balog, NuMark CU

Lou Bicanic, Midwest Members CU

Janel Cabadas, Earthmover CU

Dr. Joronda Crawford, Israel Methcomm FCU

Mark Dietrich, Revity CU

Hope Garrett, Education Personnel FCU

Tom Pierce, Access CU

Ex Officio Directors:

Libby Calderone, ICUL President/CEO

Michael Abraham, ICUL Board Chair

Jose Garcia, ICUL Board Vice-Chair

Pete Fauth, ICUL Board Treasurer

Darlyne Keller, ICUL Board Secretary