Innovation in Inclusion Award

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Award Overview

The Michigan Credit Union Foundation (MCUF) Innovation in Inclusion Award recognizes a credit union or individual leader for groundbreaking work in advancing financial inclusion and expanding equitable access to financial services and opportunity.

This award celebrates creative, data-driven, and community-centered approaches that remove barriers, build trust, and improve financial well-being for those who have been traditionally underserved. Honorees exemplify the credit union mission of “people helping people” through leadership, innovation, and measurable impact on inclusion and belonging.   

Award recipients demonstrate how credit unions can be catalysts for financial equity and empowerment – inspiring new ways of thinking, leading, and collaborating to ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive. 

Application Components Applications must clearly describe how the credit union or leader’s work meets some or all of the award criteria. Submissions may include links to photos, videos, reports, or other supporting materials that highlight innovation and impact.	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.
Identified Need & Target Population Describe the inclusion challenge, population or barrier your initiative addressed. Include how the need was identified through data, research, or community insight (e.g. demographic analysis, ALICE data, member surveys).	2 pages max	15
Innovation & Approach Explain the creative or groundbreaking strategies, programs, or solutions developed to serve underserved populations. Highlight what makes your approach unique or different from standard practices.	2 pages max	25
Implementation & Collaboration Describe how the initiative was implemented, including partnerships with community groups, nonprofits, or other credit unions. Showcase collaboration that strengthened reach and outcomes.	2 page max	15
Impact & Measurable Results Provide measurable evidence of success – such as increased access to financial services, new memberships, improved financial capability, or systemic changes that enhance equity.	2 pages max	25
Sustainability & Replication  Explain how the work is being sustained, scaled, or replicated. Describe any plans or strategies for long-term inclusion and continued engagement with the identified populations.	1 page max	10
Supporting Materials Include 2-5 letters of support, testimonials, news stories, or other documentation that validate results and community impact.	2-5 letters of support max	10
Total		100

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Evaluation and Selection

Judges will evaluate submissions based on innovation, collaboration, measurable inclusion outcomes, and long-term potential for systemic change. Applications may reflect work at the credit union, chapter or individual leadership level.

Special consideration will be given to efforts that:

• Serve populations with limited access to traditional financial services
• Leverage data or research to design inclusive solutions
• Build community partnerships to address barriers to access
• Demonstrate cultural competency, trust-building, and leadership in equity

Bonus points (up to +5) may be awarded for extraordinary leadership, advocacy, or storytelling that advances inclusion across the Michigan credit union movement and inspires others to act.  

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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