What does the future of credit union philanthropy look like? Credit Unions for Kids has launched a new program to answer that very question.
The yearlong initiative, known as Project 2025, kicked off in April by identifying 10 young credit union professionals to lead the program, which operates under the auspices of the Children’s Miracle Network’s CU4Kids program.
Nick Coleman, director of strategic partnerships for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, said the members of Project 2025 will hold monthly videoconference meetings, along with two in-person get-togethers. The first in-person meeting will take place in June during the Credit Union National Association’s Young Professionals Conference; the second will take place in March 2020 at the CMNH Children’s Hospitals Week in Orlando, Fla., when the Project 2025 representatives will present their research and recommendations to the CU4Kids National Advisory and Activation Boards.
“Credit unions and their community nonprofit partners have enjoyed an incredible synergy over the years, and the mutual benefits go far beyond the millions of dollars raised,” Coleman said in a statement. “CU4Kids credit unions have provided valuable insights on how we can shape our programs to best serve credit unions and their members. And, in turn, the success credit unions have in partnering with CU4Kids serves as an inspiration for their staff and leadership.”
Coleman said Project 2025 is expected to yield “fresh perspectives and ideas” for the CU4Kids program. Participants will investigate new technology, research new methods financial institutions are using to reach out to their communities, and consider how these innovations can align with credit unions.
The 10 representatives have five fundamental objectives to learn over the next year:
• Understanding corporate social responsibility and its business value
• Learning how to use data to measure and analyze CSR impact
• Studying new financial technology trends and their relevance to credit union success
• Honing leadership and team-working skills
• Networking with influential credit union leaders and peers in the industry.
“Emerging leaders are the future,” Coleman said. “A Cone Communications survey found 93% of Generation Z respondents believe a company’s impact on society would affect their decision to work there. We are excited to embark on an initiative that will develop a new generation of leaders and help reinvigorate this important relationship between credit unions and charitable partners such as CMNH.”
