Alliant Credit Union Foundation Donates Nearly $200,000 in 2012

01/24/2013

Alliant Credit Union Foundation donated nearly $200,000 to charities and educational organizations during 2012, announced Foundation Chairman and Alliant Credit Union President & CEO David W. Mooney. The 501c3 not-for-profit Foundation was established through a $4 million grant from Alliant Credit Union. Both the Foundation and credit union are based in Chicago near O'Hare Airport.

David Mooney presents nearly $5,000 to Marge Hamm of Bears Care, a Chicago Bears charity. The gift included employee donations to Alliant's Super Bowl Chili Day and a matching Foundation grant. Also pictured (from left) are Foundation President Wayne Rosenwinkel and Alliant Civic Affairs Committee members Janet Meinheit, Sherry Allen and Jill Okolita.

Mr. Mooney said, "The purpose of the foundation is to promote economic empowerment and self-sufficiency of people, especially in communities around the country where Alliant Credit Union members and employees live and work." Causes eligible for Foundation support include: 1) those related to education with emphasis on financial literacy; 2) charities helping people in need of assistance; 3) investments in community development projects and programs, especially in underserved areas.

Foundation beneficiaries in 2012 include: Operation HOPE, which promotes financial literacy and economic opportunity; Foster Care to Success, helping foster children become educated, successful adults; and Hadley School for the Blind, serving more than 10,000 students per year, worldwide. The Foundation also donated DVD sets containing Biz Kid$ TV programs to several public libraries. Foundation grants also paid for school supplies and reading books for students of Chicago's Prescott Elementary School. And, financial support was provided to the Business and Professional Women's Foundation, which helps military veterans and other women achieve their employment potential.

Wayne Rosenwinkel presents Biz Kid$ DVD sets to Tina Martin of Arlington Heights, IL Memorial Library. Biz Kid$ teaches young people about making and managing money.

During the year, Alliant's Foundation assisted a number of worthwhile charities through its association with the credit union's Civic Affairs Committee. The Foundation contributed to causes and events supported by Civic Affairs such as the Employee Volleyball Tournament, which raised money for National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Additional fundraising activities included the Plane Pull for Special Olympics, March of Dimes Blue Jeans for Babies Day and more. The Foundation also provided $15,000 in grants for United Airlines Fantasy Flights. These grants helped pay for holiday gifts and festivities for seriously ill and disadvantaged children who were treated to "North Pole" flights from ten major airports around the country.

Alliant Credit Union Houston employee Alicia Bonilla presents an oversized check to Beth Brust of United Airlines. It represents a $1,500 Foundation donation to the Houston Fantasy Flight.

The Foundation also involves Alliant employees through a Matching Donations Program. And according to Foundation President Wayne Rosenwinkel, there was a special program for 2012 called Grant a Grant. "This got its name from the $50 bill featuring President Grant," said Mr. Rosenwinkel. "Alliant employees were able to request a $50 grant for a charity of choice."