Community Giveback

Building Communities Together: Banking for a Greater Good

Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU) carries the credit union philosophy of 'people helping people' at the heart of its mission, not only through its financial services but also as a guiding principle. This commitment drives GLCU to take an active part in its communities through financial education, volunteering, and other impactful programs to enhance the financial empowerment of community members. To further this mission, Great Lakes Credit Union Foundation for Financial Empowerment was created as the volunteer and charitable arm of the credit union.

GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment

GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment is the charitable and volunteer arm of GLCU. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Foundation is committed to building financial well-being for our members, employees, and communities. Our goal is to effect positive change; financially empower everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status; and make a tangible difference.

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Great Lakes Credit Union Community Volunteering

Volunteering is at the heart of GLCU’s mission, and each year we set a goal to help more communities and organizations be the change they want to see. In 2022, 69% of GLCU employees volunteered nearly 1,400 hours at 68 events through the GLCU Foundation “Great Wave” volunteer program. You can learn more about GLCU volunteering events and maybe find a few organizations you’d like to help!

Some of our events include:

  • Cool Ministries Food Bank
  • Mad City Money
  • HOPE Food Distribution
  • Antioch Traveling Closet

 

Students

By providing education and tools to individuals and small businesses in our communities, we aim to create a “flywheel” of financial empowerment, where those who have begun to build generational wealth can continue to invest not just in themselves and their families, but also in the communities in which they live and work.

Mad City Money

The Mad City Money program is a hands-on financial literacy simulation designed to teach young people about the realities of budgeting, managing expenses, and navigating financial challenges in the adult world. It creates a mock 'city' where students take on roles with jobs, income, debt, and other responsibilities, while learning about financial responsibility.

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Money Mammals

The Money Mammals program is a comprehensive financial literacy initiative geared towards young children, using interactive methods like games, songs, and videos to teach the basics of money management. The program focuses on core financial values - saving, sharing, and spending smart - with the goal of establishing a strong financial foundation at an early age.

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Yearly Scholarships

Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU) annually awards scholarships to college-bound students, demonstrating its commitment to education. Recipients are selected based on criteria such as academic achievement, community involvement, and financial need, helping these students cover tuition costs and reduce the burden of student loans.

Financial and Housing Counseling

The GLCU Foundation offers one of the largest HUD-Approved Housing and Financial Counseling Programs in Illinois. Our services span Cook, Lake, DuPage, Will, and McHenry counties, reaching both Great Lakes Credit Union members and non-members alike. Over the past two years, we've helped nearly 900 families gain control over their finances or maintain homeownership.

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GLCU in Action

What Our Members Say

“Words cannot express how grateful I am for your relentless efforts to save my home! Honestly I’m still in shock.”

– Rashawn T.

“I have always received great service over the years. I’ll never regret switching from Chase to Great Lakes. It’s more personal in every way for all the services that I have needed. I also feel more secure here.”

-James H.

"GLCU provides me with everything I need. Customer service is excellent and staff knows their job. No waiting. Help right away when I come in."

-Deborah L.

Volunteers gardening

You Can Help GLCU Make a Difference. Let’s Work Together!

We believe in the power of collaboration. Interested in partnering together for a community initiative? Please contact us at our .

 

Sponsor and Donation Request

Click the button below to learn more about our sponsorship and donation guidelines, and to submit a request.

Let's work together!

 

Become a GLCU Member

Bank with a not-for-profit credit union that is not only committed to offering the best rates on financial solutions,
but also to empowering the incredible communities we serve.

OPEN AN ACCOUNT

  1. The GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial education and supporting community development initiatives.

  2. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the GLCU Foundation is a tax-exempt organization recognized by the IRS. This status also allows donors to make tax-deductible contributions to the Foundation.

  3. GLCU Foundation's mission is to build financial wellbeing for our members, employees, and communities to effect positive change.

  4. We empower local communities through a combination of financial education, counseling services, and community development initiatives. Our goal is to provide the resources and tools necessary for individuals to achieve financial independence.

  5. The Foundation offers a range of financial support mechanisms to the community, including donations, grants, sponsorships, and scholarships. If you're interested in funding requests for 2024, keep an eye on our website. Information will become available in late 2023.

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