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 November.
Giving Back
Why local business leaders helped this Wisconsin woman open a childcare center
After learning that businesses in Jackson County were losing $2.5 million a year due to a lack of local childcare, a group of employers came together to create solutions for families in their area. (Co-op Credit Union, 11/5)
WESTconsin is giving the gift of warmth with The Mitten Tree
WESTconsin Credit Union is wrapping others in warmth this holiday season with its 14th annual The Mitten Tree campaign. All WESTconsin offices will be collecting winter weather apparel items November 12–27 that will be used to decorate a tree in each lobby and be donated to a variety of community partners across the credit union’s service area. In 2023, more than 2,500 items were collected, along with $2,620 raised in monetary support. (WESTconsin Credit Union, 11/8)
RCU Foundation Announces $400,000 Gift to UW-Eau Claire Foundation
The RCU Foundation made a $400,000 gift to the UW-Eau Claire Foundation to support the development of Simpson Field. This contribution will help fund the renovation of the field, which will now feature bleachers and a press box. (Royal Credit Union, 11/18)
Big Bend teen receives Swift-themed Hawaii sendoff from Make-A-Wish Wisconsin
A self-proclaimed "Swiftie" is going to Hawaii next week. Tonight, Jocelyn Gervais got a big send-off from Make-A-Wish Wisconsin, which combined the Big Bend teen's love for luaus and Taylor Swift music.You could say this night was "enchanted" and that Jocelyn is "ready for it." Her Hawaiian vacation send-off with a Taylor Swift theme was provided by Landmark and Make-A-Wish. Jocelyn loves to cheer. She's 14, has a lot of great friends, and she loves Taylor Swift. And while a partnership between Make-A-Wish Wisconsin and Landmark Credit Union ensured a great night here in Brookfield, this smiling teen's had challenging days too, living with cystic fibrosis since birth. (Landmark Credit Union, 11/19)
Altra Presents Over $85,000 in Community Grants to Nonprofits and Volunteers
Altra Federal Credit Union to award winners for their Best Life Community Awards (BLCA). La Crescent Animal Rescue (LAR) is the winner of the $10,000 Community Choice Award, which is determined by popular vote via online voting. LAR is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and welfare of animals in Houston County, Minnesota. (Altra Federal Credit Union, 11/22)
Rock County Historical Society to host Holiday Tree Show Nov. 29-Dec. 30
If you'd like to see a variety of brightly decorated festive trees to get you in the holiday spirit, the Rock County Historical Society has just the ticket. More than 140 creatively decorated trees will fill the Lincoln-Tallman Museum at the RCHS annual Holiday Tree Show, according to a press release. (Blackhawk Community Credit Union, 11/26)
A HUGE Thank You to Supporters of Antigo Food Pantry Fundraiser
Our first Purses for the Pantry Designer Purse Bingo & Food Drive event was a HUGE success! Not only did the event raise money for the Antigo Community Food Pantry, 966lbs of food was donated as well. Thank you to everyone who came out to have a fun night of bingo supporting the Antigo Community Food Pantry. (CoVantage Credit Union, 11/25)
Two Local Businesses Awarded $15,000 Grants with Support from Royal Credit Union
Royal Credit Union (Royal) is proud to announce that two business Members, Flowering Lawns Inc. and Be Wild Burgers, have each been awarded $15,000 through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago's (FHLB) Accelerate Grant Program. (Royal Credit Union, 11/26)
CoVantage Cares Foundation Launches Annual Fundraising Campaign
The CoVantage Cares Foundation is gearing up for its annual two-week fundraising campaign, set to run from December 3 to December 17 across all areas served by CoVantage Credit Union. This year, every dollar donated will be matched up to $175,000 by the foundation, effectively doubling the impact of each contribution. Funds raised during the campaign will benefit local nonprofit organizations providing critical services, including food, shelter, education, and healthcare. (CoVantage Credit Union, 11/29)
Supporting Financial Literacy
Mad City Money simulation teaches Menomonie high schoolers budgeting
Area high school students learned what it's like to budget as an adult.WESTconsin Credit Union held its annual Mad City Money simulation at Menomonie High School. More than 240 juniors were given a career with its salary, a number of children, if they have a spouse, and how much debt they have. With all of that information, they were tasked with going through nine different stations such as housing, the car they'd own, food, and daycare. (WESTconsin Credit Union, 11/6)
New survey reveals holiday season stressors
n anticipation of the holidays, Landmark Credit Union commissioned a survey to learn more about top holiday stressors, how Wisconsinites spend during the season and how shopping behaviors may lead to debt. (Landmark Credit Union, 11/25)
Fostering Excellence
The Wisconsin Credit Union Foundation announces inaugural inductees to Legends of the Movement
The Wisconsin Credit Union Foundation’s Board of Directors has announced ten inaugural inductees to Legends of The Movement. Legends of The Movement recognizes and honors past and current credit union leaders in the state of Wisconsin for their service, commitment, and significant impact on The Credit Union Movement at the local and state level. (Wisconsin Credit Union League, 11/4)
Why UW Credit Union began lending for multifamily housing
As UW Credit Union continues to expand throughout the Milwaukee area, it has also opened a new lending program for businesses. (UW Credit Union, 11/15)
StartingBlock Madison: Partners with Summit Credit Union to launch the second year of the Summit Credit Union Fellowship for Women Entrepreneurs
StartingBlock Madison, the city’s premier hub for startups and innovation, is proud to announce a continuing partnership with Summit Credit Union, the #1 SBA Lender Among Credit Unions in Wisconsin* and a committed financial educator. (Summit Credit Union, 11/20)
YMCA Leadership Award of Excellence Presented to Royal Credit Union’s Executive VP, Pam Haller
Royal Credit Union (Royal) Executive Vice President - Chief Experience & Marketing Officer, Pam Haller, has received the YMCA Leadership Award of Excellence. This prestigious honor, presented annually by the YMCA State Alliance of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, celebrates volunteer leaders whose dedication and service have made a profound impact on their local communities. (Royal Credit Union, 11/25)
UnitedOne Credit Union Ranked 3rd in Best Credit Unions to Work in Wisconsin
UnitedOne Credit Union has been ranked the third-best credit union to work for in Wisconsin. The ranking comes from the Best Companies Group, an independent research firm that conducts surveys to determine the list. Earlier this year, American Banker ranked UnitedOne the sixth-best credit union to work for. (UnitedOne Credit Union, 11/27)