The National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation) published a Philanthropy Toolkit—a resource designed to help credit unions maximize their community impact and align philanthropic activities to strategic objectives.

The toolkit, available for free on the Foundation’s website, details key partners at local, regional, national and international levels; insights derived through strategic philanthropy from across the credit union system; and step-by-step guides and checklists for establishing charitable programs or initiatives.

“As the charitable arm of the U.S. credit union movement, we’re in a unique position to engage with partners across the system, collect and collate their expertise, and produce a valuable resource like this toolkit to help improve people’s financial lives through impactful philanthropy,” said Danielle Brown, the Foundation’s chief engagement officer.

“Strategic philanthropy is unique for every credit union. By collaborating with the SCUF Network and many other contributors to develop this toolkit, we’ve been able to capture and document that diversity. This is a resource that can help every credit union find the philanthropic structure that’s right for their employees, members, and communities.”

The Philanthropy Toolkit was developed with guidance and collaboration from leaders of the Cornerstone Foundation, Illinois Credit Union Foundation, and the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation—all members of the State Credit Union Foundation Network (SCUF) and replaces a previous version the Foundation published in 2016.

As a primarily digital resource, the toolkit is intended to be an ongoing resource for credit union philanthropy. Credit unions and system partners are encouraged to reach out directly to Brown to share additional insights.  

The Philanthropy Toolkit is available here.