Giving Back

Official Newsletter of the Illinois Credit Union Foundation

For a PDF version of this newsletter, click here.

John Fiore Golf Classic - Registration Open
Join us for the John Fiore Golf Classic on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Bliss Creek Golf Course in Sugar Grove. Click here for the registration form.

Women’s Leadership Workshop Series The Illinois Sister Society is hosting a FREE virtual workshop series featuring Amber Swenor, Jennifer Pestikas, and Courtney Blankenship. Thanks to support from the Illinois Credit Union Foundation, registration is completely free! Join us for parts two and three, coming up soon! July 7 | 2:00–3:00 PM Jennifer Pestikas From Imposter to Advocate: Owning Your Value   July 23 | 2:00–3:00 PM Courtney Blankenship Taking 100% Responsibility for Who You Are   The series begins June 9. Register Today!

$500,000 NCUF Grants Available Financial Well-Being Programs for At-Risk Youth
The National Credit Union Foundation is accepting applications from credit unions to support credit unions implementing or expanding financial well-being programs for at-risk youth. This funding opportunity is open to credit unions of any asset size that demonstrate readiness to serve at-risk youth through tailored financial education, trusted community partnerships, and accessible products and services. The application deadline is June 26, 2026. Learn more: At-Risk Youth Financial Well-Being Grant - NCUF

ICUF & Envisant Co-Sponsor 2026 1-to-1Woman Mentoring Program – Apply Today!
The ICU Foundation and Envisant are co-sponsoring a cohort for the 1to1Woman Mentoring Program which will take place August – October 2026. Check out the details online. Interested mentees and interested mentors please complete the prospective interest form by July 17, 2026 to let us know you would like to be a part of this cohort.

2026 CUFEN Conference – July 26-29
The Credit Union Financial Education Network (CUFEN) will host its annual conference 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.

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!

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