Since 2007, The Wisconsin Credit Union Foundation (The Foundation) has invested over $2 million to promote the wellness of credit unions and the communities they serve. Awarded the Platinum Seal of Transparency by Candid, The Foundation is mission-driven to promote credit union development, educate credit union staff and volunteers, support programming to enhance financial literacy, and assist the credit union system in times of need.
Scholarships & Grants
The Foundation provides funding through scholarships and grants that support Wisconsin credit unions, professional development initiatives, and continuing education.
FiCEP
The Foundation’s flagship financial literacy program is the Financial Counseling Certification Program, allowing credit union staff to become Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors.
Bite of Reality
The Foundation provides complimentary access to Bite of Reality for Wisconsin’s credit unions, a hands-on app-based simulation that appeals to teens while giving them a taste of real-world financial realities.
Annual Report
In 2025, The Foundation has once again demonstrated its commitment to financial education, credit union development, and disaster assistance, distributing a record-breaking $149,605 in grants and $22,500 in scholarships, and additionally celebrated the continued success of Legends of The Movement.
Annual Foundation Events
The Foundation hosts the following fundraising events each year. Check out our Events Calendar for more details.
Frozen Fitness Fundraiser
Stick to your fitness goals and support The Foundation each February with the annual Fitness Fundraiser! Whether running, walking, skiing, sledding, shoveling, dancing–any movement for The Movement counts!
Regional Fundraising Challenge
Held each May during League Convention, the Regional Fundraising Challenge pits League Board region against League Board region to see who can raise the most for The Foundation and be crowned winner!
The Foundation Invitational
This annual golf outing held each summer is one of the largest Foundation fundraisers of the year.
Ca$h Calendar Sweepstakes
The Ca$h Calendar Sweepstakes is a major fundraiser held each December where cash calendar recipients have the chance to win up to $2,500 in cash throughout the month.
Community Investment Fund
The Community Investment Fund (CIF) is a vehicle that allows credit unions to support the National Credit Union Foundation and state foundations, including ours in Wisconsin. The CIF provides almost two-thirds of the funding for key programs benefiting credit unions, their members, and the communities they serve. Credit unions investing in the CIF receive 50 percent of the dividend of their investment. The remaining 50 percent is shared equally between the state and national credit union foundations.
Disaster Relief
The Foundation supports disaster relief assistance through CUAid for credit union employees and members affected by natural disaster.
Since its inception, The Foundation has provided over $60,680 in disaster assistance to The Movement in times of needs.
In 2024, $7,500 was donated to CUAid by The Foundation. Over the last several years, relief has been sent to CUAid to assist with the crisis in Ukraine, wildfires in western United States, hurricanes in southeastern United States, tornado relief in the Midwest, and more.
Donor Fund Society
Credit unions, individuals, and system partners who donate are recognized for their support of Foundation programs, grants, and scholarships. Donors are recognized on a plaque at the Credit Union House in Madison, online, and during League Convention.
Leadership
Foundation Board of Directors
The Foundation Board oversees the activities of The Foundation.
Founders’ Circle
The Founders’ Circle was introduced as a way to raise money to begin The Foundation and help it achieve its goals to promote credit union development, assist with the educational needs of credit union staff and volunteers, support programming to enhance financial literacy, and support the credit union system. Individuals, credit unions, and credit union partners were invited to join the Founders’ Circle.
Legends of The Movement
Begun in 2024, The Wisconsin Credit Union Foundation’s Legends of The Movement recognizes trailblazers, visionaries, and dedicated individuals who have made extraordinary and lasting contributions to The Credit Union Movement in Wisconsin and beyond.
Memorials & Tributes
Memorial and tribute gifts to The Foundation are wonderful ways to create a lasting legacy. Help support the industry that your honoree loves through a charitable contribution. Remember someone who has passed, or celebrate an honoree’s significant milestone such as retirement, a major anniversary, or a special birthday,
Honorees of the family or your honoree will receive a special card with your name and organization as the benefactor, and will be recognized in The Foundation’s annual report and on our website. Memorial and tribute gifts totaling $500 or more will be recognized at The League Convention.
2016 – In Memoriam
Patt Steiner
from Heartland Credit Union
2015 – In Memoriam
Richard Derge, Sr.
from Carol Adler
2011 – In Memoriam
Merle Bartsch
from Carol Adler
Platinum Seal of Transparency
In 2025, The Foundation received the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency (formerly GuideStar). The Platinum Seal of Transparency is the highest level of recognition awarded by Candid and reflects the recipient organization’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and positive outcomes.
Sponsorship Opportunities
System and business partners can sponsor Foundation fundraisers to boost their impact.
Over $2 million invested since 2007 to promote the wellness
of Wisconsin credit unions and their communities.
Contact: VP of System Collaboration & Development, Josh Roberts.