Credit Union Recognition Awards

Louise Herring Philosophy in Action Member Service Award

This award honors credit unions that demonstrate, in an extraordinary way, the practical application of the credit union philosophy. It recognizes credit unions' efforts to materially improve members' lives through programs other than personal financial education. Examples include: special loan modification programs, wealth-building or debt-reduction incentive programs, outreach to underserved populations, student-run in-school or campus branches, credit union difference campaigns, predatory lending alternatives or support for member ESL (English as a second language) instruction.

Entries should summarize concrete, effective internal programs that are focused on membership and creating services that benefit members.

Asset categories: Entries are divided into the following asset categories, with winners named in each: less than $50 million, $50-$250 million, and more than $250 million.

Guidelines/eligibility: Projects that that have received a Louise Herring Award may not be re-entered in the Recognition Awards program for three years.

Nominated credit unions must be members of the New York Credit Union Association at the time of submission and award distribution.

Louise Herring Philosophy in Action Member Service Award Online Entry

Tips for a winning Louise Herring entry

Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award 

This award honors credit unions or chapters/multiple credit unions that have successfully participated in or led community activities. It recognizes credit union efforts to strengthen local institutions and materially improve the lives of non-members through community outreach programs other than personal finance education. Examples include: internship programs, charity fundraising, support for public events, donations to social service programs, VITA or EITC assistance, lobbying or advocacy on behalf of K-12 financial education or support for teacher training.

Entries should detail project goals and objectives, describe the target audience, summarize outreach and promotional strategies, and document results.

NOTE: As of 1/17/14, our entry form has been updated to include America's Credit Unions request for the estimated number of volunteer hours devoted to the project by all involved.

Asset categories: Entries are divided into the following asset categories, with winners named in each: less than $5 million, $5-$20 million, $20-$50 million, $50-$100 million, $100-$200 million, $200-$500 million, $500 million or more, and chapters/multiple credit unions.

Guidelines/eligibility: Projects that that have received a Dora Maxwell Award may not be re-entered in the Recognition Awards program for three years.

Nominated credit unions must be members of the New York Credit Union Association at the time of submission and award distribution.

Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award Online Entry

Tips for a winning Dora Maxwell entry
 

Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award 

This award honors credit unions that demonstrate a significant commitment to youth financial education. It recognizes credit union efforts to teach personal finance concepts and skills to members and non-members under age 18. Examples include implementing and/or supporting: classroom education, credit prerequisite courses, NEFE HSFPP instruction for underserved groups, online personal finance curriculum, live group budgeting simulations, special savers' or borrowers' clubs, and peer-to-peer financial counseling programs.

Asset categories: Entries are divided into the following asset categories, with winners named in each: less than $50 million, $50-$150 million, $150-$500 million, and more than $500 million.

Desjardins Adult Financial Education Award

This award honors credit unions that demonstrate a significant commitment to adult financial education. It recognizes model credit union efforts to teach personal finance concepts and skills to members and nonmembers age 18 and older. Commitment may be demonstrated by encouraging and supporting: group seminars and webinars, online Q&A sessions with experts, instruction for underserved groups, presentation series to SEG groups, instruction at personal finance events, one-on-one financial counseling or credit report reviews or regular personal finance segments in the local media.

Asset categories: Entries are divided into the following asset categories, with winners named in each: less than $50 million, $50-$150 million, $150-$500 million, and more than $500 million.

Guidelines/eligibility: Projects that that have received a Desjardins Financial Education Award may not be re-entered in the Recognition Awards program for three years.

Nominated credit unions must be members of the New York Credit Union Association at the time of submission and award distribution.

Desjardins Financial Education Award Online Entry

Secrets of a winning Desjardins entry