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CHICAGO, IL (August, 2009)- Alliant Credit Union Foundation announced its launch of operations as a 501c3 not-for-profit organization during a mid August press conference held at Alliant Credit Union headquarters in Chicago near O’Hare Airport. The foundation was established through a $4 million grant from the credit union.

The press conference began with remarks by Alliant Credit Union President & CEO David W. Mooney, who is also president of the foundation. Mr. Mooney said, "The purpose of the foundation is to promote economic empowerment and self-sufficiency of people, especially in the communities in which Alliant Credit Union members and employees live and work.” He added, “One way to accomplish this is to support programs that enhance education and financial literacy.”

During the proceedings, Mr. Mooney presented a $35,000 check to the event’s keynote speaker, John HOPE Bryant, as a contribution from Alliant Credit Union Foundation to Operation HOPE, a national organization that promotes financial literacy and economic opportunity. Mr. Bryant, Operation HOPE’s Founder, Chairman & CEO, congratulated Mr. Mooney and others at Alliant for establishing the foundation and expressed great appreciation for the generous donation. He added, “I also salute Alliant Credit Union employees who teach Operation HOPE’s financial literacy curriculum to middle school students in nearby Des Plaines, Illinois, and provide assistance to public schools in Chicago. We’re extremely happy to have Alliant as a national partner of HOPE.”

Additional speakers at the foundation launch included Lisa Wiersma, Chicago Public Schools Interim Director of Partnerships. Ms. Wiersma discussed the importance of the CPS Partnership Program, which pairs area businesses with schools to provide volunteer assistance and financial support. She thanked Alliant for joining the program as partner with Prescott Magnet Cluster School.

Prescott School Principal Mr. Erin Roche expressed his gratitude to the foundation and Alliant employees for providing 300 book bags filled with school supplies. He then cited additional programs that have occurred this year through the newly formed Prescott/Alliant CPS Partnership, including an Alliant Antique Appraisal fundraiser and the recent Prescott Service Day, held to paint classrooms and deliver summer reading program books to students’ homes. Mr. Roche explained, “In the past half year, I’ve gotten a chance to get to know Alliant through the expression of its values and commitments. Already there have been a number of ways that Alliant has painted a clear picture of its values of service and employee involvement in community growth.” He concluded, “I’m looking forward to a long, strong partnership with Alliant.”

Also appearing at the foundation launch was Community Consolidated School District 62 (Des Plaines, IL) Board of Education President Ms. Brenda Murphy. She applauded establishment of the new charity and spoke highly of Alliant’s commitment to Des Plaines schools and students via the Operation HOPE financial literacy teaching program. She mentioned having attended one of the sessions and being impressed with the dedication of the employee volunteer teachers and with the interest and participation on the part of the students.

Mr. Mooney concluded the event, stating that specific types of support to be provided by the foundation in addition to education and financial literacy programs include: Service - donating time, energy and resources that improve conditions for those in need; Grants - improving the lives of people through financial support; Investments - providing community development investment dollars for projects and programs aligned with our mission. He added, “We look forward to making additional contributions and providing support to charitable organizations and other causes that help enhance the quality of life in communities we serve, and to encourage other businesses and organizations to do the same."

For more information about Alliant Credit Union, visit: www.alliantcreditunionfoundation.org