MADISON, Wis.––CUNA Mutual Group is committing up to $1 million to the World Council of Credit Unions—if credit unions rise to a challenge.
CUNA Mutual Group said it will provide a matching grant based on the amount of 2021 donations that come into Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions, the fundraising and engagement arm of World Council. For every dollar donated to the Worldwide Foundation, CUNA Mutual Group will give one dollar to the World Council.
“We are overwhelmed by this generous show of support from CUNA Mutual Group. As one of World Council’s oldest members—and the largest annual donor to our Worldwide Foundation—they have long demonstrated their commitment to the work we do to support the international credit union movement,” said WOCCU President/CEO Brian Branch in a statement.
Originally beginning operations in 1971, the World Council is celebrating its 50thanniversary in 2021. WOCCU said CUNA Mutual Group’s contribution will position World Council to successfully support credit unions in growing economies by promoting financial inclusion, strengthening institutions, and providing policy and regulatory support for the next 50 years.
“We believe a brighter financial future should be accessible to everyone,” said Robert N. Trunzo, president and CEO of CUNA Mutual Group, in a statement. “The World Council’s work to support credit unions and their members is a crucial part of ensuring that access for people around the world. We are committed to supporting this work and encourage others to do the same.”
Trunzo is challenging credit unions, CUSOs and individuals in our industry to help the Worldwide Foundation meet its 2021 Bridge the Gap campaign goal of $1.7 million—thereby ensuring CUNA Mutual Group fulfills its $1 million commitment to World Council.
‘Unique Opportunity’
“CUNA Mutual Group has provided a unique opportunity for us to help advance credit unions worldwide,” said Mike Reuter, executive director of Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions. “This challenge calls on other industry leaders to engage and support credit unions that face glaring digital, safety, gender and leadership gaps worldwide. If this challenge is answered, we all will be that much closer to achieving our purpose of transforming a billion member lives worldwide.”
How to Accept Challenge
To accept CUNA Mutual Group’s challenge and donate to Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions’ Bridge the Gap campaign, visit the 2021 CUNA Mutual Group Challenge homepage.