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Minnesota Credit Union Network Submission Portal

Welcome to the Minnesota Credit Union Network Submissions Portal. This page manages submissions for the following programs:

  • MnCU Foundation Scholarships
  • Mn CU Foundation Grants
  • MnCUN Elevate Awards

Creating an Application

How to Apply

1. Register

Click on the link and complete and submit the registration form.

2. Login

to the award with your email and password.

3. Create

Create your online application. [Select which program you are applying to.]

4. Save

Prior to the deadline, your application can be saved as DRAFT until all the required information is completed and attachments uploaded. As each section is complete, you will see a appear in the category tab when the application is saved. At any time, you can download and print your application by clicking on the icon in the Application Summary section.

5. Submit

On completion, save your application as FINAL. Download and print a copy of your application for your records by clicking on the icon in the Application Summary section in the right column.

*Note: If an update is required prior to the submission deadline, you can make the update and resave as FINAL.

The Minnesota Credit Union Network is the state trade association for Minnesota’s credit unions. ​​​​​​The Minnesota Credit Union Network is the statewide trade association that works to ensure the success, growth, and vitality of Minnesota credit unions. With over $39 billion in assets, Minnesota credit unions are local, trusted financial cooperatives that serve over 2.1 million members at 404 branch locations, employing 5,841 people around the state. As not-for-profit institutions, credit unions give back to the communities they serve. For more information, visit mncun.org.

    Minnesota Credit Union Elevate Awards

    The Elevate Awards celebrate that work—whether it’s delivering exceptional member service, championing financial well-being, strengthening communities through philanthropy, or finding new ways to demonstrate the “People Helping People” philosophy:

    The Outstanding Creative Achievement Award celebrates marketing work that showcases exceptional originality, craftsmanship, and strategic impact within the credit union movement. This honor recognizes campaigns or projects that use bold ideas, compelling storytelling, and purposeful creativity to elevate the credit union brand, engage members, while maintaining a commitment to advance cooperative values. Projects will be evaluated within asset size categories, with budget considerations taken into account to ensure fair and equitable comparison. 

    The Outstanding Service & Impact Award honors outstanding initiatives that demonstrate the credit union commitment to people helping people through meaningful community impact. This award recognizes programs, partnerships, or outreach efforts that significantly improve the well-being of members or the broader community. Projects will be evaluated within asset size categories, with budget considerations taken into account to ensure fair and equitable comparison. Judging will consider the strategy and objectives behind the initiative, as well as the measurable results achieved relative to the credit union’s size, community needs, and marketplace position. Winning entries reflect exceptional dedication to service, collaboration, and the cooperative spirit that defines the credit union movement. 

    MnCUN member credit unions may submit 1 project for each award. 

    Nominations for the awards must be received by Friday, March 20. Contact Julia Miller, MnCUN Director of Communications with questions.​​

    Creating an Application

    Hot to Apply

    1. Register

    Click on the link and complete and submit the registration form.

    2. Login

    to the award with your email and password.

    3. Create

    Create your online application.

    4. Save

    Before the deadline closes, your application can be saved as DRAFT until all the required information is completed and attachments uploaded. As each section is complete, you will see a appear in the category tab when the application is saved. At any time, you can download and print your application by clicking on the icon in the Application Summary section.

    5. Submit

    On completion, save your application as FINAL. Download and print a copy of your application for your records by clicking on the icon in the Application Summary section in the right column.

    *Note: If an update is required prior to the submission deadline, you can make the update and resave as FINAL.

    Frequently Asked Questions 

    How many applications may my credit union submit?
    Credit unions may submit 1 entry for each of the two categories.

    What time period should my submission be from?
    Material included in applications should be from campaigns active in the last 12 months.

    My submission includes audio or video, how should I include this asset?
    Audio or video files should be uploaded to a web host, Vimeo or YouTube for example, and a link to the resource should be included in the application. If the asset is private, please include a password.

    Minnesota Credit Union Foundation Scholarship Council Application 2025

    $18,000 In Scholarships Available!

    Thank you for your interest in the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation Scholarship Council scholarship. Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives. Unlike most other financial institutions, credit unions do not issue stock or pay dividends to outside stockholders. Instead, earnings are returned to members like you in the form of lower loan rates, higher interest on deposits, and lower fees.

    The FSC is offering eighteen (18) $1,000 scholarships to credit union members throughout Minnesota, nine (9) to traditional applicants and nine (9) to non-traditional applicants.

    The submission period is now closed for the 2025-2026 program.

    Scholarship Eligibility

    Scholarship applicants must be one of the following type of students:

    • traditional: current high school or PSEO student graduating in 2026
    • non-traditional: post high school student, current college student or those returning to post-secondary after some time off.

    In addition, scholarship applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

    • enrolled or plan to attend an accredited, non-profit educational institution in an undergraduate or graduate program (both master and doctorate). Awards will not be disbursed until the student is accepted and enrolled in an accredited institution.
    • enrolled in at least one course at the accredited school during the scholarship application time frame.
    • individual must be a credit union member in good standing (as determined by your credit union) affiliated with the Minnesota Credit Union Network. The student must have a separate credit union account from their parents/guardian.
    • information provided on the application must be accurate and solely the authentic work of the applicant.

    Additional notes:

    • financial need is not considered in the selection of the scholarship recipients.
    • immediate family and household members of the Minnesota Foundation Scholarship Council are not eligible to enter.
    • applicants will be asked to approve that their names, words and/or photos can be used in various media to promote the credit union scholarship program.

    Please note: If selected as a recipient for a scholarship the deadline to submit required documentation is September 30, 2026. Once received, a check will be made payable to you and the school to the address you provided.  Checks will be mailed after the deadline.  If the required documentation is not received by the deadline, the scholarship award will be forfeited.

    Creating an Application

    1. Register

    Click on the link and complete and submit the registration form.

    2. Login

    to the award with your email and password.

    3. Create

    Create your online application.

    4. Save

    Before the deadline closes, your application can be saved as DRAFT until all the required information is completed and attachments uploaded. As each section is complete, you will see a appear in the category tab when the application is saved. At any time, you can download and print your application by clicking on the icon in the Application Summary section.

    5. Submit

    On completion, save your application as FINAL. Download and print a copy of your application for your records by clicking on the icon in the Application Summary section in the right column.

    *Note: If an update is required prior to the submission deadline, you can make the update and resave as FINAL.

    If you require assistance or additional information, please contact the scholarships@mncufoundation.org.

    MnCU Foundation Grants

    Professional Development Grants are available to credit union staff and volunteers for education and training in order to sustain the credit union movement. The grant applications open in the fall on an annual basis – with awards for programing the following year. Grants may be awarded by special request throughout the rest of the year on a first-come, first-served basis. 
     
    2026 Professional Development Grants will open for application Sept. 15 - Nov. 14, 2025. Award notifications will be provided no later than Dec. 31, 2025.

    Eligibility Requirements
    • Applicant must be a director of, serving on a committee of, or employed by the same Minnesota Credit Union Network affiliated credit union listed on the application at the time the grant is used.
    • Applications must be completed in full and received by the published deadline. After this date, applications may be considered if funds are available and on a case-by-case basis.
    • Recipient’s credit union will be reimbursed after the course/program is successfully completed and grant reimbursement request form submitted.
    • Recipient must use the grant during the year and purpose stated on the application.
      
    Eligible Professional Development Grant Categories

    Creating an Application

    How to Apply

    1. Register

    Click on the  link and complete and submit the registration form.

    2. Login

     to the award with your email and password.

    3. Create

    Create your online application.

    4. Save

    Before the deadline closes, your application can be saved as DRAFT until all the required information is completed and attachments uploaded. As each section is complete, you will see a  appear in the category tab when the application is saved. At any time, you can download and print your application by clicking on the  icon in the Application Summary section.

    5. Submit

    On completion, save your application as FINAL. Download and print a copy of your application for your records by clicking on the  icon in the Application Summary section in the right column.

    *Note: If an update is required prior to the submission deadline, you can make the update and resave as FINAL.

    If you require assistance or additional information, please contact info@mncun.org

    Key Dates

    Foundation Scholarship Council
    Application Open September 8th, 2025
    Application Close November 30th, 2025
    Foundation Grants
    Application Open September 15th, 2025
    Application Close November 14th, 2025

              

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    Contact Us

    Minnesota Credit Union Network
    555 Wabasha Street North, Suite 200
    Saint Paul, MN 55102
    Phone: (651) 288-5170
    Email:   info@mncun.org
    Copyright Minnesota Credit Union Network. All Rights Reserved.
    555 Wabasha Street North, Suite 200 | Saint Paul, MN 55102
    Phone: (651) 288-5170 | info@mncun.org