Has your CU considered donating to the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation?

When your credit union renews your league membership for 2020, it’s a good time to donate to the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation (SECUF) — and  understand what that donation means.

“Through donations from credit unions, we’re able to develop and fund educational opportunities and scholarships that help all southeastern credit unions better serve their members,” said Juli Lewis, director of SECUF.

Those opportunities include professional development scholarships that provide greater access to events like the LSCU Hike the Hill, the Southeast Leadership Development Conference or Credit Union Development Educator Certification. The Foundation also provides disaster relief resources to affected credit unions, community financial education programs and, of course, the Financial Certification Program (FiCEP) to train credit union employees as certified financial counselors.

Coastline Federal Credit Union has already seen the benefits of sending its member service representatives through SECUF’s FiCEP program, said Cindy Burgess, a branch service manager at the credit union. When a member came into the credit union with more than 13 nonsufficient funds fees looming before him, FiCEP-trained employees knew exactly how to help. They helped him understand how to prioritize paying off his bills and when to use his credit cards.

“We were also able to let the member know about some of the free or discount services that he may qualify for based on his age and income,” Cindy said. “Going through the Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor training has helped us to help our members and to make a difference in our community.”

To find out more about SECUF’s programs and scholarships, click here. 

Credit unions can donate to the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation while paying dues by checking the “Fair Share” box on the form to give the equivalent of about $0.05 per member. However, if your credit union has already submitted dues and didn’t check that box — it’s not too late! Click here to donate or contact Foundation Development Coordinator Bobbi Grady at bobbi.grady@lscu.coop.