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 December.
Giving Back
Educators Credit Union members earned a cash payout of over $5.2 million
Educators Credit Union members earned a record $5.2 million with the 2024 Member Loyalty payout. Member Loyalty is Educators Credit Union’s way of showing appreciation to members for their loyalty and commitment to the credit union. Throughout 2024, members built their reward each month based on the products and services they used. Whether members made everyday card purchases, had an auto loan or mortgage, saved money every month, or simply used our online or mobile banking services, it all added up to another record payout for Educators Credit Union members. (Educators Credit Union, 12/2)
Capital Credit Union Park hosting first-ever ‘Gridiron Greats Celebrity Flag Football Fundraiser’
Officials with Capital Credit Union Park have announced that they, along with Gridiron Football – Green Bay, will be hosting their first-ever celebrity flag football fundraiser. According to a release, the ‘Gridiron Greats Celebrity Flag Football Fundraiser’ will take place at Capital Credit Union Park on Sunday, April 27, just one day after Green Bay wraps up hosting the 2025 NFL Draft. (Capital Credit Union, 12/3)
Royal Credit Union’s Annual Giving Never Melts Away Annual Toy Drive Collects Over 750 Toys
Royal Credit Union (Royal) and The Salvation Army partnered to hold the annual Giving Never Melts Away toy drive throughout the month of November. This year, Royal collected over 750 toys and raised $2,500 for The Salvation Army through the generosity of community members and team members. (Royal Credit Union, 12/9)
Volunteers help pack diapers for Jake’s Network of Hope
Covantage Credit Union and Covantage Care Foundations are continuing their ninth annual Giving Tuesday campaign. The campaign begins on Giving Tuesday and runs for two weeks. The organization partners with multiple non-profits across Wisconsin to help raise money. Volunteers across the communities showed up to help pack diapers for Jake’s Network of Hope. Organizers say the money they raise is to help those in the communities. “We wanted to be able to make a greater impact in our communities, and for nine years now, the campaign has distributed about $2.72 million to 74 non-profits,” said Morgan Teal, Foundation Director. (CoVantage Credit Union, 12/10)
CoVantage Cares offers $175K in donation matching funds during two-week campaign
The CoVantage Cares Foundation has kicked off its annual two-week fundraising campaign, which extends from Giving Tuesday earlier this week through Dec. 17.
Every dollar donated will be matched up to $175,000 by the CoVantage Cares Foundation, effectively doubling the impact of each contribution, according to a news release. This matching gift will support local non-profit organizations that provide essential services, such as food, shelter, education and health care in local communities. (CoVantage Credit Union, 12/10)
Ten Credit Unions Pay $59 Million in Dividends
Ten credit unions from Georgia to Pennsylvania are paying members $59.4 million in special dividends, including $46 million paid out Tuesday. (Educators Credit Union, 12/12)
Park City Cares Foundation supports food assistance for local children
The Park City Cares Foundation (PCCF) was founded in 2022 with their primary purpose to support the communities that Park City Credit Union is a part of, through both financial contributions and volunteer hours donated by Foundation members and community partners. They also offer scholarships to high school Seniors in Merrill, Tomahawk, Rhinelander, and Minocqua high schools who are going on to college and technical trade school, and they provide grants to community-based projects in those communities, particularly those that directly align with their mission. (Park City Credit Union, 12/12)
CoVantage Returns $6.5-Million Patronage Dividend To Members
The $3.7-billion CoVantage Credit Union this year returned a record $6.5 million in a patronage dividend to its members, the CU reported. In the last five years, over $27 million has been returned to members specifically through patronage, CoVantage said. (CoVantage Credit Union, 12/29)
Little Free Pantries Help Address Food Insecurity in Marshfield
Marshfield has embraced an innovative and compassionate initiative to combat food insecurity through the installation of Little Free Pantries (LFPs). These community-driven boxes function similarly to Little Free Libraries, but instead of books, they are stocked with non-perishable food items, hygiene products, and paper goods for anyone in need. The simple yet powerful mission: Take what you need, give what you can. (Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union, 12/26)
Supporting Financial Literacy
Royal Credit Union brings Test Drive Reality Fair to White Bear Lake Area High School
Royal Credit Union (Royal) and White Bear Lake Area High School partnered for the first time to present students with a signature financial education experience Test Drive…Next Stop Reality® (Test Drive). Test Drive is a simulation of real life when it comes to money and finances. The event was held on Thursday, December 12 at White Bear Lake Area High School. Over 650 students and 200 volunteers participated in the event. In addition to Royal team members, many members of the White Bear Lake community helped throughout the day. (Royal Credit Union, 12/13)
Fostering Excellence
America's Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions 2025
Regional banks and credit unions are the financial backbone of communities nationwide. They serve as vital engines at the local level as they support small businesses, fund projects and ensure easy access to essential banking services. With intimate knowledge of local economies, these banks often form strong bonds with customers, enabling them to better meet their needs. (Badger-Globe Credit Union, Glacier Hills Credit Union, Landmark Credit Union, MCU Financial Center Credit Union, Park City Credit Union, Summit Credit Union, Teachers Credit Union, Trustone Financial Credit Union, UW Credit Union, and Valley Communities Credit Union, 12/13)