Community Enrichment Award

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Award Overview

The Michigan Credit Union Foundation (MCUF) Community Enrichment Award recognizes credit unions for outstanding community impact initiatives that improve the financial well-being of people, families, businesses, or communities in Michigan. 
To ensure fair and equitable recognition across the credit union system, awards will be presented in two asset-size categories: 

• Small Credit Unions: $250 million in assets or less
• Large Credit Unions: More than $250 million in assets 

Each category will honor one outstanding initiative that demonstrates measurable impact, innovation, and alignment with the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” 
Award entries should demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following impact target areas: 

• Financial inclusion initiatives
• Assisting low-income, underbanked, underserved, or minority communities
• Small business support
• Financial wellness, education, and counseling initiatives
• Community crisis support

Application Components Applications must clearly describe how some or all of the award criteria are met. Submission may include links to additional materials, such as photos, videos, or other supporting resources.  Awards will be evaluated and scored based on the components below, with adjustments made to reflect the credit union’s asset size category and available resources.	Requirements Submission may contain links to additional information, such as photos, videos, resources, etc.	Possible Points Awards will be evaluated and scored, based on each application component.
Need Addressed: Describe the community need or problem your initiative addressed. Explain how the need was identified and why it was chosen as a focus area.	1 page max	10
Activities and Initiatives: Describe the activities and initiatives implemented to address the identified need, including objectives, participation and results.	2 pages max	35
Collaboration & Partnerships Highlight partnerships with community organizations, chapters, or other credit unions and any collaborative approaches used to achieve greater impact.	1 page max	15
Research, Data & Ongoing Plans Describe how research, data, or evaluation informed your initiative, and any ongoing plans for sustainability or growth.	1 page max	10
Supporting Materials Include letters of appreciation or support, testimonials, or media coverage that demonstrate impact and community value.	2-5 letters/support documents max	10
Overall Impact & Storytelling Share the measurable outcomes and human impact of your initiative. Tell the story of who benefited, how lives were improved and why it matters.	2 pages max	20
Total		100

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Evaluation and Selection

Judges will review each application using a standardized scoring rubric that accounts for credit union size, scope and resources. 

• Small Credit Unions are evaluated on innovation, creativity, and community connection relative to available resources. 
• Large Credit Unions are evaluated on strategic reach, measurable outcomes, and sustainable, saleable impact. 

Bonus points (up to +5) may be awarded for initiatives demonstrating replicable innovation, documented outcomes, or exceptional storytelling. 

Submission Requirements

All sections should be compiled into one document with clearly defined sections. 

Submit all application materials and supporting documentation online via the submission form. 

By submitting a nomination, applicants grant permission for MCUF and MCUL to share stories, photos, and materials in publications, presentations, and advocacy efforts to highlight the credit union difference in Michigan communities.  
 

 

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