Whether it's giving back, awarding scholarships, creating community, providing innovative solutions, or fostering financial literacy (and so much more), here's how Wisconsin's credit unions supported their members and communities in August.
Giving Back
8 youth-led climate solutions projects to receive $5,000
This year, youth members of the BYFY program reviewed 12 applications and distributed $5,000 each to eight youth-led and youth-implemented climate initiatives that aligned with the city of Madison's Sustainability Plan. The projects that received funding were required to target: quality/affordable housing, resilient city design/infrastructure, renewable energy/decarbonization, sustainable transportation, clean/abundant water, zero waste, healthy ecosystems, and a vibrant green economy. (Summit Credit Union, 8/8)
Dupaco making homeownership more affordable with special down payment assistance program
Achieving the dream of home ownership is now even more accessible for members thanks to a partnership between Dupaco Credit Union and Fannie Mae providing down payment assistance. The HomeReady Loan Down Payment Assistance provides a financial boost to homebuyers. The Home Ready Down Payment Assistance program provides $2,500 to eligible homebuyers, regardless of their location, who are beginning their homeownership journey. The program assistance is a credit to be used towards a down payment and closing costs of a home. (Dupaco Credit Union, 8/9)
Dupaco Foundation awards $250,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations
In the inaugural year of the annual Nonprofit Grant Program, the Dupaco Foundation awarded $250,000 in grants to support 29 nonprofit organizations in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. The support provided through the Nonprofit Grant Program will make a direct impact on affordable housing and homeownership, small business development or upskilling and reskilling–which are the foundation’s three community areas of focus. (Dupaco Credit Union, 8/7)
Downtown Employee Appreciation Week kicks off with free lunch for 1,000
The 19th annual Downtown Employee Appreciation Week kicks off Monday, Aug. 19 and runs through Friday, Aug. 23 in Downtown Milwaukee. Downtown Employee Appreciation Week's mission is to reward Downtown Milwaukee’s dedicated workforce with a week of incentives, including daily giveaways, office challenge games, employee discounts and more. Monday’s highlights start with free coffee at “The Morning Jolt with Levy Restaurants” located at Baird Community Commons, 799 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave. from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – while supplies last. (Educators Credit Union, 8/19)
UW system ‘Changemakers’ receive a combined $30,000 from UW Credit Union
UW Credit Union awarded 10 scholarships worth $3,000 each this month through its annual Community Values Scholarship program. The scholarship fund recognizes “changemakers” — undergraduate students committed to making their communities stronger and healthier through volunteerism, campus engagement and community-centered employment. (UW Credit Union, 8/29)
Creating Community
Inaugural ‘Light Up the Night Bike Ride’ offered
The inaugural “Light Up the Night Bike Ride” bike parade has been slated for Saturday, Sept. 7, in Jefferson County, according to its organizers. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Organizers include the Jefferson County Parks Department, Jefferson County Health Department and Friends of Jefferson County Parks. (Fort Community Credit Union, 8/6)
Singles Take On Love With Duluth Speed-Dating Event
Love was truly in the air Wednesday evening at Hoops Brewing in Duluth for some speed dating. More than a 100 men and women signed up for the free chance to make a connection. Superior Choice Credit Union, which put on the event, said more than 56 percent of couples said their money philosophies aren’t compatible with those of their partners. (Superior Choice Credit Union, 8/15)
Supporting Financial Literacy
From Helping Members on the Frontline to Helping CUs Behind the Scenes
Kohler CU Audit & Compliance VP Christine Murray wants to see the audit function be embraced and welcomed. (Kohler Credit Union, 8/7)
Investing In Communities
Landmark Credit Union opens new branch in Oconomowoc
Landmark Credit Union recently opened its state-of-the-art branch in Oconomowoc, featuring the first Swiss-made, automated safe deposit box system in the U.S. The new branch, located at 1391 Olympia Fields Drive, sets a new standard for banking convenience and security, the company said. (Landmark Credit Union, 8/9)
Payment modernization: Insights from Royal Credit Union
In a CUInsight-hosted webinar, Jeni Brantner, Vice President of Payments at Royal Credit Union, shared the credit union’s experience with payments modernization alongside Stuart Bain, SVP of Product Management at Alacriti, and Mark Majeske, SVP of Faster Payments at Alacriti. Here are some of the key points discussed. (Royal Credit Union, 8/6)
Best Credit Unions to Work For, ranked 1-35
Attracting the next generation of young professionals, all while ensuring an organization goes above and beyond for its current employees, is a priority for any forward-thinking leader. The executives at the helm of this year's Best Credit Unions to Work For honorees are launching new programs that do just that. (Simplicity Credit Union,
UnitedOne Credit Union, 8/25)
Best Credit Unions to Work For, ranked 36-70
Attracting the next generation of young professionals, all while ensuring an organization goes above and beyond for its current employees, is a priority for any forward-thinking leader. The executives at the helm of this year's Best Credit Unions to Work For honorees are launching new programs that do just that.
(Propsera Credit Union, 8/25)