Credit union foundations play a unique role at the intersection of mission, community impact, and organizational strategy. For foundation directors, the work often involves balancing governance, fundraising, partnerships, and reporting expectations — while remaining closely aligned with the credit union’s broader goals.
This virtual roundtable is designed as a moment-in-time conversation for credit union foundation directors to connect with peers and compare how foundations are operating today. In a small, peer-driven setting, participants will have space for candid discussion about what is working, where challenges are emerging, and how others are structuring and evolving their foundations in real time.
What’s on the Agenda?
The agenda is driven by participants, allowing the conversation to focus on practical realities rather than a preset framework. Topics participants have raised include:
- Foundation structure and oversight: How are credit union foundations organized, and how do staffing and board involvement shape daily operations?
- Relationship with the credit union: How is the foundation aligned with credit union priorities, and where do roles or responsibilities intersect?
- Fundraising and donor engagement: What approaches are foundations taking to attract, retain, and steward donors effectively?
- Governance and compliance: How are foundations meeting reporting requirements, ensuring policy adherence, and navigating internal oversight?
- Measuring and communicating impact: How do foundations evaluate success, report to stakeholders, and share results with boards, donors, and the community?
- Strategic alignment: How do foundations integrate into broader credit union goals, including community engagement, financial education, and mission-driven initiatives?
If there is a specific question, challenge, or scenario you would like to bring to the group, you are encouraged to share it in advance so it can be incorporated into the discussion.
Who Should Attend?
This roundtable is intended for credit union professionals who lead the foundation strategy and operations. We recognize that foundations vary widely in size, structure, and maturity. If you are unsure whether this roundtable is the right fit, or who from your organization should attend, please reach out. We are happy to help think through the best participant for your team.
To keep the discussion focused and productive, participation is limited to no more than two attendees per credit union.
