In many communities, there are often individuals and families facing challenges that go unseen, such as food and clothing insecurity, financial hardship, and limited access to essential resources. Yet, alongside these challenges is something just as powerful: the people and organizations who step up to help.
At GLCU and the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment, community giveback is at the heart of our mission, Banking for a Greater Good. This guiding purpose shapes everything we do and fuels our commitment to create meaningful, lasting impact.
From volunteering at local food banks to sorting clothing at community closets and cleaning up neighborhood parks, GLCU and the GLCU Foundation’s employees uplift our neighbors in need, strengthen local communities, and foster opportunities that make a lasting difference.
Take a look at our impact so far in 2025:
- 4,428 community outreach hours
- 294 community events
- 849 households benefited from financial education and counseling services
- 511 households received group education
- 2,167 youth impacted by 88 youth education sessions
Community Partnerships Drive Our Success
Through strategic partnerships with local community organizations whose missions align with those of GLCU and the GLCU Foundation, we are able to provide community members with the necessary resources they need to face challenges, find their financial footing, and improve their overall well-being.
We value our partnerships with community organizations, including Northern Illinois Food Bank, COOL Ministries, United Way of Lake County, Bernie’s Book Bank, HOPE Food Distribution, and many others. What’s more, the GLCU Foundation’s financial and housing counseling team provides additional financial literacy resources that help community members facing eviction, homelessness, and other barriers to safe, affordable housing.
A Culture of Giving Back
At GLCU and the GLCU Foundation, we know that community impact isn’t just a program. It’s a part of who we are. By encouraging employees and partners to participate in volunteering and giveback initiatives, we live the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” As a non-profit financial institution, GLCU is able to give back through financial literacy programs, provide employees with volunteer time off, support small businesses, and help communities thrive by strengthening our local economies.
At its core, community giveback is about investing in the neighborhoods we call home. When we volunteer, we help build safer communities, support local families, and create opportunities that might not exist otherwise.
At GLCU, we turned CU Kind Day – a day when credit unions across the country come together through acts of service and kindness – into a full week of volunteering. GLCU and the GLCU Foundation were proud to have more than 150 employees give back at nearly 20 organizations for a total of more than 400 volunteer hours, improving the financial and environmental well-being of local communities.
We’re proud to continue empowering our members and communities by making a meaningful difference and embracing our “Banking for a Greater Good” mission.
Help Empower Our Communities this Giving Tuesday
This year, on December 2, if you’re able, please consider making a lasting impact by supporting the GLCU Foundation and our ongoing community giveback initiative. Your donation helps us provide essential resources, programs, and support to strengthen our communities and improve the lives of those around us. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.
