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The Wisconsin Credit Union Foundation


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.

Legends of The Movement





In 2024, The Foundation has continued to increase its dedication to financial education, credit union development, credit union staff development, and disaster aid, and in 2024, The Foundation has made more impact than ever before! Over the past year our impact has continued to grow; we distributed a chart-topping $147,000 in grants, $20,000 in scholarships, and launched Legends of the Movement - a way for credit unions to honor the trailblazers that have dedicated their careers to The Movement in Wisconsin.

View Report >>

 

The Foundation hosts the following fundraising events each year. Check out our Events Calendar for more details. 

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! 

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!

This annual golf outing held each summer is one of the largest Foundation fundraisers of the year. 

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.

Sales & Sponsor Information >>

View 2025 Winners >>

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. 

Learn More >>

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.

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.

View Donors >>

The Foundation Board oversees the activities of The Foundation.

View Board >>

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. 

View Founders' Circle >>

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. 

Learn More >>

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. 

Patt Steiner
from Heartland Credit Union

Richard Derge, Sr.
from Carol Adler

Merle Bartsch
from Carol Adler

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.

Learn More >>

 

System and business partners can sponsor Foundation fundraisers to boost their impact. 

View Sponsor & Exhibitor Kit >>


Over $2 million invested since 2007 to promote the wellness
of Wisconsin credit unions and their communities. 



Foundation Grants 2021

$80k in Foundation Grants Distributed to Wisconsin's Credit Unions

Aug 09, 2021
Last month, The Foundation's Board of Directors met to award funds to Wisconsin's credit unions through their Credit Union Development and REAL Solutions grants. A record $80,000 was distributed to help recipients better serve their communities. Here they are!
CMS Scholarship Winners

The Foundation Awards $6,000 in CUNA Management School Scholarships

Apr 01, 2021
The Wisconsin Credit Union Foundation recently awarded $6,000 in CUNA Management School Scholarships to three recipients, including Nilsa Gebert (FOCUS Credit Union), Lois Pluff (Sheboygan Area Credit Union), and Chris Trost (Glacier Hills Credit Union).
Pat Wesenberg DE Scholarship

Foundation DE Scholarship Renamed Pat Wesenberg DE Scholarship

Mar 25, 2021
In March, The Wisconsin Credit Union Foundation's Board of Directors approved renaming its Development Education (DE) Scholarship the Pat Wesenberg Development Education (DE) Scholarship in memory of Pat Wesenberg, the former President of Simplicity Credit Union and longtime advocate for The Credit Union Movement who passed away in February after an extended illness.
Frozen FFF

$11,000 Raised for Foundation Through Frozen Fitness Fun

Mar 04, 2021
If there's anything Wisconsinites know, it's how to have fun in the snow! Last week, 157 participants from across the state raised over $11,000 to support The Wisconsin Credit Union Foundation's mission through its Frozen Fitness Fundraiser.


Foundation Invitational


Contact: VP of System Collaboration & Development, Josh Roberts.