The mission of the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment is to effect positive change, financially empower everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status, and make a tangible difference in the community. In 2025, The GLCU Foundation embodied the credit union philosophy of “people helping people” through its wide-reaching, community-focused giveback efforts.
Community Outreach
In 2025, the GLCU Foundation supported 152 organizations through its community outreach efforts. From packing books to sorting food, volunteers from the GLCU Foundation’s Great Wave Volunteer program spent a total of 4,000 community outreach hours supporting our partners this year. The organizations where GLCU employees spent the most community outreach hours were United Way of Lake County, Northern Illinois Food Bank, HOPE Food Distribution, COOL Ministries Food Bank, and Bernie’s Book Bank.
Notably, in 2025, on October 13th through the 17th, GLCU employees volunteered 400+ hours across 24 events during the Week of Volunteering – a week-long volunteering effort held in honor of CUKind Day. A total of 18 organizations were supported, including GiveNKind, the Bridge Teen Center, and more.
Overall, the GLCU Foundation supported more than 300 events and donated more than $150,000 to local organizations in 2025.
Scholarships
In 2025, the GLCU Foundation, in partnership with GLCU, awarded eight $2,500 scholarships as part of its annual Member Scholarship program. Two of this year’s recipients were GLCU employees.
The program exemplifies the credit union’s commitment to supporting its members’ educational development and financial wellness. By supporting their academic goals, GLCU and the GLCU Foundation are investing in the promising futures of its members and communities.
Making an Impact in 2025 and Beyond
In 2025, the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment continued to turn its mission into meaningful action—supporting hundreds of community events, investing in local organizations, and helping members pursue their educational goals. These efforts reflect our commitment to “people helping people” and to expanding financial opportunity for all.
As we look ahead, the GLCU Foundation remains dedicated to deepening its impact, strengthening community partnerships, and empowering individuals and families to build more secure financial futures.
Visit the GLCU Foundation’s Givebutter page to support our giveback efforts.