Through the generosity of Vizo Financial Corporate Credit Union, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation awarded $50,000 in Vizo Financial Empowerment Grants last week. Nine credit unions received funding for financial education projects or programs to empower members to reach financial goals and establish a better quality of life.
“Our ultimate goal with the Empowerment Grants program is to give credit unions, through their state foundations, the power to make their financial literacy and community outreach initiatives a reality,” said Erin Doan, VP of administration for Vizo Financial. “As we see these ideas come to life, we’re reminded that the cooperative spirit is alive and well, and we’re grateful to the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation for being a beacon of support for credit unions looking to make a real difference in the lives of their members and communities.”
Mid Carolina Credit Union received an $8,000 Financial Empowerment Grant to kick start its ambitious new youth platform. Like many credit unions, Mid Carolina has noticed a need to decrease its average member age. The credit union believes implementing an attractive youth program is an important step in achieving this goal.
The credit union’s new youth program and plan centers on its new mascot, Ben Franklin. Mid Carolina recently had its company vehicle wrapped with a picture of Ben Franklin wearing sunglasses surrounded by floating $100 dollar bills. A new suite of “Revolutionary Youth Accounts” will include a “Founding” Savings account, an “Independence” Checking account, and a “Lightning Rod” certificate. All of the product names are centered around Ben’s creations or his involvement in American History. The credit union will incorporate Banzai Financial Education that caters to young people starting on their financial journey.