New Carolinas Foundation grants to aid small CUs’ tech and capital improvements
The Foundation recently announced at the Carolinas Credit Union League's Annual Meeting that we have launched a new Technology and Capital Improvements Grant Program for small credit unions. The program, aided by a joint contribution of $50,000 by the League and CUNA Mutual Group, is open for applications through August 1 by credit unions who are in need of financial support to pursue the following categories and examples of improvements:

  • Technology or Security Upgrades: Mobile app development, IT enhancements, compliance with Part 748 of NCUA Rules and Regulations
  • Capital Improvements: Computer and voice communications upgrades, facility renovations
  • Underserved Outreach: Shared branching, CDFI certification
  • Consulting Services: Asset-liability management, strategic planning

The Carolinas Foundation’s Technology and Capital Improvements Grants will be awarded in August 2021 based on the number and nature of requests received, with a maximum grant amount of $15,000. Credit unions with $100 million or less in assets are eligible with preference given to credit unions under $50 million in assets. Applications must clearly define intended project goals, objectives and budget, and grant recipients must outline for the Foundation the fund usage following project completion.
Other News from the Foundation
Carolinas Cup registration opens. Auction items requested!
CUNA Mutual’s 17th Annual Carolinas Cup is returning this year at full capacity in beautiful Southern Pines, NC on September 19 – 21. This friendly competition between the two states includes rounds of golf at both Mid Pines and Pine Needles golf courses. Total proceeds from the Carolinas Cup, which over the last 16 years has raised nearly $800,000, will continue to support Victory Junction. It’s all for the kids! 

CUNA Mutual Group and the Foundation are seeking sponsorships for the event as well as donations to the auction. Credit unions or organizations interested in supporting the auction with a donated item should email Lauren Whaley Thank you in advance!
Carolinas Foundation starts membership campaign!
As your partner in philanthropy, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation is building on the values embraced by credit unions and uniting our resources towards the greater good. The Foundation’s new membership will expand on the support of our shared “People Helping People” philosophy and increase our community impact!

When you become a Friend of the Foundation for just $15, you will gain several exclusive member benefits:

  • Champion the cooperative principle of concern for the community with highlights of the philanthropic work in the credit union system.
  • Receive regular communications from the Foundation on grants, scholarships and volunteer support.
  • Become eligible for membership opportunities with participating credit unions to access financial products and services.
  • Access free, one-on-one financial counseling, debt management services, and financial education resources through the Foundation’s partnership with GreenPath Financial Wellness, a leading national nonprofit organization.
  • Help elect the volunteer Board of Directors of the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation.

Beyond the benefits, your membership will amplify the philanthropic mission of credit unions and help communities throughout the Carolinas thrive. Plus your $15 donation is tax-deductible!
CUNA's state-level competition & Gala honorees - submissions due July 16th
The Carolinas Foundation invites credit unions and Chapters from across the Carolinas to prepare and submit entries for state-level judging in the annual CUNA Awards programs, which include the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Award, the Louise Herring Philosophy in Action Award, and the Desjardins Youth and Adult Financial Education Awards. Credit unions may submit entries online through the Carolinas Foundation/CUNA Awards portal (see “Submission Links”). The deadline for all entries is Friday, July 16, 2021.

First-place winners from the state-level program will be forwarded for national judging by CUNA. The award ceremony for state-level winners will take place during the Foundation’s Awards Gala held in collaboration with the Carolinas Credit Union League during its LAUNCH Conference slated for February 2022 in Charlotte. 
Principles and Philosophy Conference slated for October opens registration. Scholarships available!
The Carolinas Credit Union League's Principles and Philosophy Conference is set to return in-person for 2021 and is slated for October 19 - 21 at the Caraway Conference Center, set in the Uwharrie Mountains of central NC. The Foundation will serve as a new partner in this premier event with the Foundation's Director of Collaborative Programs Jeff Hardin continuing to lead the conference in collaboration with Credit Union Development Educators (CUDEs), who serve as on-site volunteers.

This new partnership with the League and Foundation is one of several exciting changes for the conference, which focuses on the history, philosophy and cooperative structure of credit unions. The conference will update its curriculum and approach to presenting the history of cooperatives and credit unions, including:

  • Formally recognizing the 8th Cooperative Principle (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) in the curriculum.
  • Expanding our understanding of historical cooperation in the business world to be more inclusive of communities that have largely been overlooked.
  • Continuing to highlight the contributions the Rochdale Pioneers made to the modern cooperative movement within a larger framework of efforts that preceded the formation of their cooperative.

Registration is now open, and scholarships are available for credit unions with assets of $100 million and below. Go to carolinasleague.org/principlesphilosophy for scholarship details and to apply.
CUsTogether Conference to benefit the Foundation
The upcoming Leadership Conference at Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach is slated for September 9-11, 2021 and registration is open. The Leadership Conference is designed for leaders of credit unions in North and South Carolina as a perfect opportunity for their growth as credit union professionals. This event is dedicated to fostering the credit union movement and the improvement of each participant's knowledge to better prepare them to guide their credit unions to positive lasting change.

Conference sponsor, Nick Wodogaza, President & CEO of Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, hopes to provide a venue to encourage professional growth and cooperation for credit unions across the Carolinas. Nick is proud to recognize registration fees exceeding direct costs will be donated to the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation, with participating credit unions and program leaders recognized as the contributors.
Contact the Foundation:
Lauren Whaley, President | 919-600-8219 | E-mail |
Jeff Hardin, Director of Collaborative Programs | 336-601-1764 | E-mail |

The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation was incorporated in 1993 as a charitable organization dedicated to the embodiment of the “people helping people” philosophy of credit unions. Its mission is to empower and inspire credit unions in the Carolinas through collaborative opportunities to enrich our communities. The Foundation serves as a founding partner to Victory Junction, a year-round camping facility, located in Randleman, NC, for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses. Over the last 16 years, more than $5 million has been raised by credit unions in the Carolinas to support its camp and outreach programs. The Foundation also serves as a partner in philanthropy with credit unions, assisting charitable giving through donor-advised funds, managing scholarship programs, supporting small credit unions with professional development grants, and aiding disaster relief for the local, national, and global credit union communities.