Giving Back

Official Newsletter of the Illinois Credit Union Foundation

For a PDF version of this newsletter, click here.

ICUF Hosts BankOn & Non-Custodial Accounts Webinar October 28 – Register Now

Join us for a free webinar to learn more about BankOn and Non-Custodial Accounts on October 28 at 1:00 p.m. Our guest speaker, Tracy Frizzell, Executive Director, Economic Awareness Council, oversees the BankOn Chicago program. She will provide information on how to create savings and/or checking accounts which can be BankOn certified. In addition, she will discuss opportunities to work with teens to open non-custodial accounts (typically foster youth) to provide a valuable service to an often-overlooked population. This session will be recorded and shared with everyone who signs up. Register Today!

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!

Congratulations New CUDE^TM

Congratulations to Sheri Shannon, University of Illinois Community CU, who earned her designation as Credit Union Development Educators (CUDE^TM) from the National Credit Union Foundation during September.

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.

Ticket Sales Underway for ICUF Annual Raffle

The ICU Foundation will conduct its Annual Raffle again this year, and we need your help selling tickets!  The drawing will take place at ICUL Annual Convention on Friday, October 24 at 10:00 am in the exhibit hall. Contact Melanie to request a supply of tickets to sell to your members and staff.

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