Giving Back
Official Newsletter of the Illinois Credit Union Foundation
| November 2025 | Volume 22, Issue 11 | ||
For a PDF version of this newsletter, click here.
ICUF Hosts Exploring Why Workshop in Springfield November19 – Register Now
The ICU Foundation is excited to bring the popular Exploring Why™ Workshop to ICUL-affiliated credit unions. The 1-Day Workshop will be held Wednesday, November 19 at the ICUL Springfield office. Exploring Why™ is an experiential training program created by the National Credit Union Foundation that credit unions can use to support and engage their employees. It is perfect for staff and board members who are new to credit unions as well as can serve as an energizing boost for people with years of experience. The engaging program covers credit union history, philosophy & principles. Register Today!
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.
ICUF Annual Raffle
Congratulations to the winners of the ICU Foundation Annual Raffle Drawing. A huge THANK YOU to the 55 credit unions who sold tickets which helped raise approximately $10,000 (net) for the Foundation!
|
Prize |
Winner |
|
Grand Prize $1,500 |
Darrell Johnson, United Equity CU |
|
2nd Prize $500 |
Zachary Sparling, United Equity CU |
|
3rd Prize $250 |
Karen Robinson, Blackhawk Area CU |
|
4th Prize $100 |
Tom Kane, ICUL – donated back to Foundation |
|
5th Prize $100 |
NuMark CU |
|
6th Prize $100 |
Nicole Vollman, Healthcare Associates CU |
|
7th Prize $100 |
Anna & Andrew Clark, Park Manor Christian Church CU |
|
8th Prize $100 |
Streator Onized CU |
|
9th Prize $100 |
Mae Dean, Aurora Policemen CU |
|
10th Prize $100 |
Financial Plus CU |
NCUF Announces 2026 DE Program Dates – Registration Opens October 20
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. Upon completion of the DE Program, individuals earn their CUDE designation and join over 3,000 credit union advocates from around the world. The 2026 DE Program registration will open October 20.
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
|
November 19 |
ICUF Exploring Why Workshop (Springfield) |
|
January 1 to December 31 |
Foundation’s Annual Support Campaign |
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, 1st 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
