FORUM Wins First Place for Credit Union Philosophy in Action Award
FORUM Credit Union is proud to announce winning first place for the Louise Herring Award for Credit Union Philosophy in Action in the $1 Billion+ asset size category in the Indiana statewide competition. Created by CUNA (Credit Union National Association), this is awarded to credit unions for their practical application of the “People-Helping-People” credit union philosophy within the actual operation of the credit union. It is awarded for internal programs and services that benefit membership.
Plaques were presented to statewide winners at the ICUL (Indiana Credit Union League) Chairman’s Awards Banquet on Friday, October 27, as part of the League Convention. FORUM Chief Operating Officer and Foundation Chairman, Andy Mattingly, was present to accept the award. FORUM’s entry focused on the FORUM Foundation. The FORUM Credit Union Foundation is dedicated to strengthening the communities FORUM serves by enhancing youth educational opportunities. Foundation educator grants and collegiate scholarships are available each year as a way to embody the Credit Union’s cooperative spirit. The Foundation awards up to seven, $5,000 collegiate scholarships annually and designates $25,000 annually in educator grants ($2,500 maximum grant per educator). The collegiate scholarships are eligible for renewal, up to four years, giving recipients the potential to receive $20,000 over the course of their fouryear collegiate experience. Over $225,000 has been given in educator grants since 2014, and over $1,000,000 has been paid out in collegiate scholarships since 2015. Through educator grants, 145 projects have been funded and 45,000+ students have been helped in areas including literacy, STEM, art/music, physical education, and learning environment.
“When children are provided with the educational opportunities they need to succeed, they will become adults who positively impact society as a whole. This project best represents the cooperative principle of Concern for the Community as the Foundation plays an active role in supporting the community through educational opportunities,” said Andy Mattingly, FORUM Chief Operating Officer. FORUM’s First-Place entry will move on to the national level where it will compete at the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) with other state winners from across the country. Winners will be revealed in March 2024 at GAC.