At Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU), financial empowerment is a key part of our mission of banking for a greater good. That means we’re dedicated to making sure you have the tools and support you need to meet your financial goals. No matter where you might be on your financial journey, we’re here to help you succeed. Because when you succeed, we succeed.
Read on to learn about some of the ways we financially empower our members and the communities we serve.
Supporting Our Communities
Community Giveback
As a not-for-profit financial institution, we reinvest in the neighborhoods where our members live and work. The GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment, the philanthropic arm of GLCU, is proud to support initiatives that strengthen financial well-being for everyone, including community programs, grants, local partnerships, and more.
Our Community Giveback initiatives help:
- Expand access to financial resources
- Support local organizations that provide assistance and education
- Build stronger, more resilient communities
Youth Financial Education
Our youth accounts and financial education efforts are a key part of our community giveback initiatives. Our Money Mammals® Saving Money Is Fun Kids Club™ teaches youth how to spend, save, and share their money.
In 2025, more than 360 students participated in Money Mammals financial education programs. Our Adolescent$ financial education program teaches teens how to set financial goals, save for the future, and make smart money decisions. More than 460 students took part in Adolescent$ financial education sessions in 2025.
For high school students, our Bite of Reality budgeting simulation sessions teach students how to balance a budget and save money. Students are given a job, a family, and income, and are tasked with making decisions about housing, transportation, groceries, and more. In 2025, more than 1,200 students completed Bite of Reality budgeting simulation sessions.
Free HUD-Certified Housing and Financial Counseling
GLCU is proud to be one of only five credit unions nationwide to offer free HUD-certified housing and financial counseling.
Our certified counselors work with both members and non-members on:
- Creating and managing a budget
- Reducing and managing debt
- Improving credit scores
- Preparing for homeownership
- Navigating financial challenges and life changes
Whether you are facing a financial setback or planning your next big step, our counselors are here to help you build a clear, realistic path forward.
Supporting the Next Generation Through Scholarships
Each year, we award scholarships to help promising students in our communities pursue higher education. These scholarships support students’ academic goals and help reduce some of the financial barriers that can stand between them and their educational goals.
By investing in students today, we are helping build a stronger, more financially secure tomorrow.
Expanding Financial Access Through Partnerships
We know that financial empowerment often starts with access—access to safe accounts, trustworthy information, and equitable opportunities. That is why we partner with organizations that share our commitment to financial inclusion.
Bank On: A Fresh Start Checking Account
Through our Bank On-certified Fresh Checking account, we help individuals who may be unbanked or underbanked open accounts that are:
- Safe and affordable
- Non minimum monthly balance requirement
- Structured to support long-term financial stability
This partnership helps remove common barriers to banking and provides a secure foundation for managing money.
One Summer Chicago and the Economic Awareness Council
Collaboration with local organizations allows us to extend our impact even further. Through the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment, we support the Economic Awareness Council (EAC) and its workforce development programs, including One Summer Chicago.
As part of this partnership:
- Students are offered checking and savings accounts, giving them the opportunity to experience the confidence and security that comes with having a bank account.
- In 2024, 8,164 students opened bank accounts through this program—raising the percentage of youth with bank accounts from 56% to an impressive 84% by the end of the summer.
- We provide financial education to students at City Colleges of Chicago, equipping even more young adults with essential money management skills.
These partnerships help young people build healthy financial habits early, so they can move into adulthood with knowledge, confidence, and practical experience.
Innovative Products that Build Financial Confidence
In addition to education and community programs, we design products specifically to support financial progress.
Credit Builder Loan
Our Credit Builder loan is designed for members who want to establish or rebuild credit in a safe, structured way. By making on-time payments, members can demonstrate positive payment history—one of the key factors in a healthy credit score—while also setting aside funds for the future.
Fast Cash Loan
Life happens, and sometimes you need quick access to funds. Our Fast Cash loan offers an alternative to high-cost, predatory lenders, providing members with:
- A more affordable, transparent way to borrow
- Clear terms and fair rates
- Access to quick cash when unexpected expenses arise
Banking for a Greater Good
Through our programs, partnerships, products, and the work of the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment, we are focused on breaking down barriers and opening doors through:
- Helping more people access affordable financial services
- Supporting students and young adults as they build their financial futures
- Providing counseling and tools for individuals facing financial challenges
- Strengthening the financial resilience of our communities
At GLCU, financial empowerment is at the heart of our mission of banking for a greater good. We are here to help you reach your goals, build confidence in your financial decisions, and live life on your terms.
