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Foundation for Financial Empowerment
Our Mission
The GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment is the charitable and volunteer arm of the Great Lakes Credit Union. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are committed to building financial well-being for our members, employees, and communities. Our goal is to affect positive change; financially empower everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status; and make a tangible difference.
Scholarships Available
As part of our commitment to financially empowering our communities, members, and employees, the GLCU Foundation offers eight $2,500 scholarships to students attending or bound for college.
Empowering Through Education: HUD-Approved Housing and Financial Counseling Program
The GLCU Foundation offers one of the largest HUD-Approved Housing and Financial Counseling Programs in Illinois. Our services span Cook, Lake, DuPage, Will, and McHenry counties, reaching both Great Lakes Credit Union members and non-members alike. Over the past two years, we've helped nearly 900 families gain control over their finances or maintain homeownership.
In fact, 3 in 5 participants have been able to create sustainable budgets for themselves and their families, thanks to our team of dedicated counselors. We partner with clients and community members to understand their unique needs, guide them through personalized action plans, and help put into practice theories that genuinely work.
Watch the impact GLCU Foundation Sr. Housing and Financial Counselor Wilane had with one of our clients.
Our team of dedicated HUD-certified counselors are available free of charge to assist members and non-members with issues such as foreclosure and many other topics.
Committed Volunteers: The “Great Wave” Volunteer Program
More than half of Great Lakes Credit Union employees volunteer annually with the GLCU Foundation's "Great Wave" program, providing invaluable support to local nonprofits. We believe in prioritizing volunteerism, and give all GLCU employees up to 8 hours off annually to volunteer, in addition to their service with the Foundation.
Financial Literacy for All Ages
We strive to make financial education accessible for everyone. The Foundation partners with local nonprofits, colleges, middle and high schools to provide financial literacy through programs like Money Mammals and Bite of Reality, as well as educational videos, and other engaging content.
Community Support and Partnerships
We believe in the power of collaboration. To broaden our reach and maximize impact, the Foundation builds partnerships with other nonprofits aligned with our mission of financial empowerment. Join us in our mission to give back more impactfully and empower our local communities. Together, we can build a financially secure future for everyone.
Partnership Proposal Request
Click the button below to learn more about our partnership guidelines, and to submit a proposal. Please note, donations will be awarded on a quarterly basis. Submissions received prior to the application dates will not be considered. If you have any questions regarding partnerships please contact GLCUFoundation at glcu dot org.
Fans of the Foundation
“GLCU is a great organization to work with. When they volunteer, they are all in and committed to educating our students. The GLCU team does a great job to make sure the content they are delivering is planned, prepped, accurate and relevant to our High School students. We look forward to many opportunities ahead to work with the amazing people at GLCU!”
Ryan Geary, Zion-Benton High School
Donate
By donating to the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment, you become a critical part of a powerful mission to promote economic stability and financial literacy. Your generous contribution directly helps us provide invaluable resources, education, and tools for individuals striving to secure their financial future. By supporting our foundation, you can truly make a difference, enabling people to transform their lives through improved financial awareness and independence.
Follow Us
Want to stay in the loop on all GLCU Foundation’s activities? Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Impact
To see GLCU Foundation's 2024 impact report, click the image below.
FAQs
Volunteering with GLCU and the Foundation for Financial Empowerment
"Great Wave" is the GLCU Foundation's volunteer program, which mobilizes over half of our employees annually to provide valuable human resources to local nonprofit organizations. To encourage this, GLCU gives all employees 8 hours off to volunteer independently, in addition to the volunteering they do with the Foundation.
Yes, we regularly host various events such as financial workshops, community drives, and volunteering events. You can find details about upcoming events on our website or by subscribing to our newsletter.
We partner with local nonprofits, colleges, middle and high schools to deliver financial education through various channels. Our Money Mammals program provides engaging learning activities for younger individuals, while Mad City Money is a hands-on financial simulation for young adults that teaches them about credit, debt, loans, maintaining a budget, and other real-world expenses. Our financial education videos, and other content are designed to equip community members with essential financial skills.