Summit Credit Union Reaffirms Commitment to Small Credit Unions and Women's Leadership with New $130,000 Contribution
Summit Credit Union is proud to announce its continued dedication to supporting small credit unions and fostering leadership in the industry by committing another $100,000 to the Hamilton Fund for underwriting its Professional Development Grant Program. This program is designed to support credit unions with $100 million or less in assets by providing opportunities for staff and volunteers to enhance their skills and grow their organizations. Additionally, Summit Credit Union is contributing $30,000 ($10,000 bi-annually) to support the INSPIRE Conference, empowering female leaders in the credit union space in the southeast.
Support for this grant comes from Summit Credit Union and the Hamilton Fund, a legacy of Sis and Jim Hamilton. Sis Hamilton, former CEO of Summit Credit Union for over 60 years and a board member for 70, was a trailblazer in the credit union movement, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and the small credit unions she worked to support throughout her career.
Sam Whitehurst, President & CEO of Summit Credit Union, expressed his enthusiasm for the ongoing support of these programs: “The legacy of Sis and Jim Hamilton continues to inspire us at Summit. Their commitment to the growth and sustainability of small credit unions remains at the heart of our mission. We are proud to once again support the Hamilton Fund and the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation to help equip other credit unions with the resources needed to thrive.”
The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation, which administers the Hamilton Fund, is equally committed to the success of these initiatives. Lauren Whaley, President & CEO of the Foundation, emphasized the value these programs bring: “Through Summit Credit Union’s generous contributions, we can continue to offer meaningful professional development grants and support women in leadership. These opportunities strengthen not only individual credit unions, but the entire credit union community.”
Since its inception, the Hamilton Fund has played a pivotal role in supporting the educational and professional development needs of small credit unions. This new commitment ensures that credit unions across the Carolinas will continue to have access to crucial resources for years to come.
For more information on applying for the Professional Development Grant Program, please contact the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation at CarolinasFoundation.org. The INSPIRE Conference is slated for September 18-19, 2025 in Charlotte, NC with additional details to be announced soon at CarolinasLeague.org.