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 September!
Giving Back
Applications Open for Nonprofit Professional Development Grants
The Royal CU and ECCF Nonprofit Professional Development Fund of the Eau Claire Community Foundation is now accepting applications for grants of up to $500. These grants are designed to help Eau Claire area nonprofits support staff and Board members in attending professional development opportunities. Applications are due by October 31, 2025. Established in 2021 through a partnership between Royal Credit Union (RCU) and the Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF), this fund was created to ensure nonprofits have access to the resources they need to advance their mission and expand their impact. In addition to supporting training for individuals, grants may also fund collaborations that create professional development opportunities or help organizations carry out Strategic Planning sessions. (Royal Credit Union, 9/15)
Royal Credit Union supports area food banks as part of Hunger Action Month
Area food banks are getting some help in support of Hunger Action Month. Volunteers from Royal Credit Union spent the afternoon at Feed My People Food Bank in Eau Claire packing and sorting food that will be sent out to multiple communities. It’s the second year in a row that RCU has taken part in Hunger Action Month with the credit union expanding its efforts this year. “We know that food insecurity affects a lot of our neighbors, it affects a lot of people that we just don’t know about, so it is great to be able to make a difference and come together to help them,” said Journie Rosenow, the RCU Community Relations Coordinator. RCU also donated $5,000 to Feed My People Tuesday. Second Harvest Heartland and St. Croix Valley Food Bank are also receiving donations from RCU. (Royal Credit Union, 9/16)
Kimberly’s Paperfest Music Festival donates more than $130,000 to local nonprofits
Paperfest Music Festival organizers announced this week a donation of $130,896.98 to more 50 local nonprofit organizations following its most successful event to date.The annual four-day festival, organized by Kim-Com Promotion, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, brings the community together through music, food, and family fun, according to a news release. The festival’s presenting sponsor is Community First Credit Union. Nonprofits receive funding based on the number of volunteer hours their members contribute during the event, creating a system where giving back becomes a celebration. (Community First Credit Union, 9/18)
Investing In Communities
UW Credit Union: Extends partnership with Light the Hoan, introduces new Light Show
In celebration of its partnership with Light the Hoan, UW Credit Union will host a series of three 10-minute colored light shows this weekend. The community animations kick off on Friday, Sept. 12, and run through Sunday, Sept. 14, with shows at 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 each evening. The new installment will illuminate the Hoan in vibrant color schemes designed to celebrate the Milwaukee community. In addition to the familiar hues of local sports teams and the Milwaukee Flag, the credit union’s red and white branding will be visible at the onset and conclusion of each display. (UW Credit Union, 9/9)
Fostering Excellence
2025 CU Times Luminaries Awards Finalists Announced
When we put out a call for submissions for this year’s CU Times Luminaries Awards, the credit union industry answered that call and we received hundreds upon hundreds of incredible entries. After several weeks reading and studying each submission, the CU Times editorial staff is thrilled to announce the finalists of this year’s awards in 25 categories. (Capital Credit Union, UW Credit Union, 9/1)
Butz, CEO of Capital Credit Union, is UW-Oshkosh 2025 Distinguished Alumni
When Laurie Butz earned her MBA in Organizational Behavior from UW-Oshkosh in 1997, she set her sights on becoming a CEO.Today, she leads Capital Credit Union, one of the largest financial institutions in northeast Wisconsin, overseeing more than $2.7 billion in assets, 24 branches and 480 employees across 18 counties. With more than 35 years of experience in the financial services industry, Butz credits UWO for giving her the leadership foundation, practical tools and support network that helped turn her vision into reality. (Capital Credit Union, 9/4)