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Information Central Resources Online Application Forms CRI Grant Application Awards Information Central Contacts Judith A. Gardi, MCUF Executive Director and CRI Program Coordinator

Michigan Credit Union Foundation

Foundation Overview
Established in 1954 to honor J.C. Howell, a key figure in the early days of pioneering Detroit Teachers Credit Union and the Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL), the Foundation was created to administer the collection and disbursement of funds for general charitable and educational uses which benefit the Credit Union System.

The Michigan Credit Union Foundation (MCUF) solicits credit unions, chapters, individuals, and companies who support and serve credit unions.

The MCUF is governed by a volunteer Board of seven Trustees who determine and guide the direction of the MCUF. They determine criteria for scholarship and grant eligibility, present the Ebaugh-Lesnieski and Vanderveen Memorial Scholarships, the Credit Union "Community Volunteer" award, and the "International Credit Union Development" award.

MCUF Mission Statement
The Mission of the Michigan Credit Union Foundation is to provide educational support to smaller credit unions in Michigan and to recognize and encourage International Credit Union Development efforts. The Foundation also coordinates research grants that benefit credit unions and their members.

Mission Slogan: "Helping Credit Unions Be Strong at Home and Abroad”

MCUF Visioning Statements

• The Foundation will build an endowment fund to support educational and leadership development of staff and volunteers of Michigan credit unions, and other initiatives.
• The Foundation will be a catalyst for encouraging and recognizing credit union leadership, and community and international credit union involvement.
• The Foundation will create a framework for research projects that will contribute to the success of Michigan credit unions and their members.
• The Foundation will foster cooperative efforts in support of international credit union development efforts in selected countries.

Recognizing credit unions and individuals that display extraordinary service and support through award programs.

General Information
With changes in the economic climate, regulation, and technology, Michigan's credit unions need continuing education to ensure excellence. The foundation provides funds to SAS CUs and other credit unions with limited resources so they can attend educational events and get needed training. With the support of members, the MCUF continues to ensure that education is provided to all Michigan credit unions.

In 2007, the Foundation awarded more than 244 scholarships, totaling in nearly $58,472, to professionals and volunteers of 69 Michigan credit unions. Scholarships were utilized to enable these credit union leaders to attend valuable education, training and special events – participation that would not have been possible without scholarship assistance. Scholarships were also awarded to nine deserving individuals to attend the CUNA Management School. Due to the encouragement of the MCUL and financial assistance from MCUF, more Michigan credit union leaders attend the CUNA Management School than from any other state. It’s the Foundation’s endeavor to build tomorrow’s credit union leaders within the Credit Union System.

With your help the Foundation can provide this assistance to the many smaller credit unions and credit unions with limited resources in Michigan who cannot afford the increasing expense of necessary on-going education and training. By donating four (4) cents to the Foundation for each of your CU members, you can help guarantee the aid necessary for those credit unions.

Your contribution can be designated to support one of the funds that make up the MCUF.

• The General Fund--provides educational scholarships for officials, management and staff of small credit unions and provides grants to related organizations.
• General Scholarships--a full scholarship to attend CUNA Management School
• Ebaugh-Lesnieski Memorial Scholarship Fund--provides a scholarship for deserving first, second or third-year CUNA Management School student.
• Vanderveen Memorial Fund--provides a scholarship to a deserving first-year CUNA Management School student.
• Woodman-Wilde--provides a $5,000 scholarship to a Michigan college student named by the Credit Union Community Volunteer recipient.
• 2008 MCUF Power for Just Pennies Annual Fundraiser Donation Form

The MCUF also supports community outreach and engagement initiatives by credit unions through their Community Reinvestment Initiative (CRI) grant program.  Credit unions can apply for grants of up to $5,000 to assist, advance and strengthen the Michigan Credit Union movement, support credit union member services, financial literacy or community involvement and/or support activities related to the Michigan Credit Union League’s CRI initiative.  Applications can be downloaded, filled out and mailed or faxed to the Foundation.

For more information regarding MCUF, contact Executive Director Judith A. Gardi at 1-800-262-6285, extension 458. To learn more about the CIF program, please contact CenCorp's Finance Department at 1-888-236-2677.