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

The GLCU Foundation offers one of the largest HUD-Approved Housing and Financial Counseling Programs in Illinois and parts of Wisconsin and Indiana. We partner with clients and community members to understand their unique needs, guide them through personalized action plans, and help put into practice theories that genuinely work.

More than half of Great Lakes Credit Union employees volunteer annually with the GLCU Foundation's "Great Wave" program, providing invaluable support to local nonprofits. We believe in prioritizing volunteerism, and give all GLCU employees up to 8 hours off annually to volunteer, in addition to their service with the Foundation.

We believe in the power of collaboration. To broaden our reach and maximize impact, the Foundation builds partnerships with other nonprofits aligned with our mission of financial empowerment.

Join us in our mission to give back more impactfully and empower our local communities. Together, we can build a financially secure future for everyone. You can become a critical part of a powerful mission to promote economic stability and financial literacy with your donation. Your generous contribution directly helps us provide invaluable resources, education, and tools for individuals striving to secure their financial future. By supporting our foundation, you can truly make a difference, enabling people to transform their lives through improved financial awareness and independence.

GLCU Foundation - The Annual Event 2026