LEVERAGE Invests $1.38 Million to Strengthen Advocacy and Foundation Initiatives

The Board of Directors for LEVERAGE, the wholly owned holding company of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates, has approved nearly $1.4 million in donations to support advocacy, political engagement, and disaster resilience initiatives benefiting credit unions across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia.

The investment includes $1.2 million in contributions approved by the LEVERAGE Board of Directors, in addition to $180,000 previously allocated to the Credit Union Impact Foundation. With this latest contribution, LEVERAGE has invested more than $5 million in initiatives supporting the credit union movement over the past six years.

“Strategic investments like this ensure credit unions have the resources and support needed to operate and grow in a changing environment,” said Olabode “Ola” Anise, Chair of the LEVERAGE Board, Chair-Elect of The League Board, Chair-Elect of the Credit Union Impact Foundation Board, and President and CEO of Azalea City Credit Union. “By directing funding toward key priorities, we are strengthening the overall credit union system and helping ensure long-term stability for the institutions that serve our communities.”

This value transfer will support several initiatives designed to strengthen advocacy efforts and provide resources for credit unions when they need them most.

• $600,000 allocated to The Advocacy Fund, which supports efforts to elect credit union friendly candidates at the federal and state levels across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia. This funding also supports the modernization of the D.C. Credit Union House, preserving the history of the credit union movement while providing a space for credit unions to meet with policymakers.
• $400,000 to support state Political Action Committees (PACs), helping strengthen relationships with policymakers and support candidates who understand the value credit unions bring to their communities.
• $180,000 allocated to the Credit Union Impact Foundation, supporting the disaster resilience fund, which assists credit unions impacted by natural disasters so they can continue serving their members during recovery.
• $100,000 to support the Office of Small Credit Unions, providing grants and targeted resources to help small credit unions grow, adapt, and continue serving their members.
• $100,000 to support professional development initiatives, helping equip credit union staff with the training and resources needed to strengthen operations and better serve their members.

“Advocacy remains one of the most important tools credit unions have to protect their ability to serve their members,” said Richard J. “Rick” Skaggs, Chair of The League Board, Vice Chair of the LEVERAGE Board, Chair of the Credit Union Impact Foundation Board, and President and CEO of USF Federal Credit Union. “Support for The League’s Advocacy Fund and state Political Action Committees strengthens our ability to engage with lawmakers and advance policies that protect the credit union model.”

“LEVERAGE was created to generate value that is reinvested back into the credit union system,” said Steve Willis, President of LEVERAGE. “This funding represents a direct return of that value, supporting initiatives that strengthen the industry and provide critical resources where they are needed most.”

“This type of investment helps ensure credit unions can continue operating and serving their members when it matters most,” said Samantha A.M. Beeler, President of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates. “From supporting disaster recovery efforts to strengthening day-to-day operations, these resources help credit unions remain reliable for the communities that depend on them.”

The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates remains committed to empowering credit unions with the tools and resources they need to advocate for their members, strengthen their operations, and support their communities, ensuring a resilient and thriving future for the credit union movement.