Giving Back

Official Newsletter of the Illinois Credit Union Foundation

For a PDF version of this newsletter, click here.

ICUF Annual Support Campaign
The Illinois Credit Union Foundation is conducting its most important fundraiser, the Annual Support Campaign, until the end of the year. Since 1978, the ICU Foundation has provided nearly $5 million to assist credit unions as they improve financial well-being for their members, staff and local communities. Click here for an Annual Fund Contribution Form, or click here to make a gift via PayPal. Contact Melanie Murphy at 224-407-0440 or [email protected] with questions.

2025 Financial Education Outreach Recognition
Credit unions in Illinois were recognized by the Credit Union Financial Education Network (CUFEN) as 4th in the nation for the most adults reached (20,063) and total adult financial education presentations (540).  Illinois also ranked 5th for the total students reached (31,538).

Congratulations individual credit unions who were recognized by CUFEN:  

• Land of Lincoln CU – 1st Place in Most Adults Reached $150-499M Asset Size Category
  
• Land of Lincoln CU – 2nd Place in Most Adults Presentations $150-499M Asset Size Category
  
• BCU – 3rd Place in Most Adults Reached $1B+ Asset Size Category

2025 ICUF Commemorative Awards
The ICU Foundation presented 5 new Commemorative Awards during the ICUL Annual Convention.  New Perpetual Memorials were created for Billy Cerwin and Kellie Jurick.  New Memorials were created for I Louis McMurray and Con O’Mahoney. A new Tribute Award was created for Keith Sias. Check out the video.

2026 ICUF Enhanced FiCEP – Save the Date
The ICU Foundation’s Enhanced FiCEP Program will begin on April 6, 2026.  Registration will open in January 2026.  The registration fee charged by America’s Credit Unions for the materials will be $484.  There is no additional cost for credit unions who purchased the training bundle from America’s Credit Unions.

2026 ICUF Exploring Why & Reality Fairs Workshop – March 25, 2026
The ICU Foundation will hold an Exploring Why Workshop on March 25, 2026 (the day prior to the ICUL Peer Networking Event).  Registration will open in early 2025 with a fee of $100 per person.

2026 CUFEN Conference – Save the Date
The Credit Union Financial Education Network (CUFEN) will host its annual conference July 26-29, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.  Registration will open next year.  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.

NCUF Announces 2026 DE Program Dates – Registration Open
The National Credit Union Foundation announced dates for the 2026 DE Program.  Since 1982, the Credit Union Development Education (CUDE™) program and its international alumni network have transformed the culture, strategy, outreach and impact of the credit union movement. The 2026 DE Program registration is open.  While most classes are now filled, you can add your name to a waiting list in case spaces open.

Foundation Questions?

Contact Melanie Murphy at 224-407-0440 or [email protected].

REMINDERS

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

Financial Education in Other Languages & CU Compliance

ICUL’s Director of Compliance, Shannon Basile, recently shared a blog about what credit unions need to consider when offering financial education information (presentations or materials) in other languages. You’ll need to login to the ICUL website to access the compliance blog post.

2025 Events & Important Dates

ICU Foundation Board of Directors

Chair – Michelle Balog, NuMark CU

Vice-Chair – Kerriann Mills, BCU

Secretary/Treasurer – Susan Toalson McGinty, U of I Community CU

Lou Bicanic, Midwest Members CU

Janel Cabadas, Earthmover CU

Dr. Joronda Crawford, Israel Methcomm FCU

Mark Dietrich, Revity CU

John Fiore, Consumers CU

Hope Garrett, Education Personnel FCU

Tom Pierce, Access CU

Amber Scott, 1^st MidAmerica CU

Ex Officio Directors:

Libby Calderone, ICUL President/CEO

Joe Kregul, ICUL Board Chair

Michael Abraham, ICUL Board Vice-Chair

Jose Garcia, ICUL Board Treasurer

Pete Fauth, ICUL Board Secretary