MADISON, Wis. – The combined generosity of CUNA Mutual Group employees and the company’s foundation will provide a $1.7 million benefit to nonprofits in Dane County and other communities nationwide where employees reside.

The funds were pledged over just four weeks during the company’s Employee Giving Campaign, which concluded Nov. 30. CUNA Mutual Group’s 3,300 employees were invited to donate to an eligible 501(c)(3) organization of their choice, including United Way. All eligible donations made during the pledge period received a dollar-for-dollar match from the CUNA Mutual Group Foundation.

“We expanded giving options this year based on employee feedback and, not surprisingly, people showed incredible excitement, passion and commitment,” said Cedric Ellis, executive vice president of enterprise services, and president of the CUNA Mutual Group Foundation.

Employees pledged approximately $650,000. The Foundation matched $600,000 and contributed an additional $450,000 to the 2018 fundraising campaign for United Way of Dane County. The funding will assist myriad organizations of employees’ choosing. These include organizations and programs committed to schools, youth, health, animal welfare, food and housing stability, community outreach, military veterans and more.

The month-long event also presented opportunities for non-financial giving. “Employees donated canned goods and numerous other food-related items to the River Food Pantry in Madison and purchased more than 400 “wish list” items for individuals at the Mendota Mental Health Institute.” And as usual, employees volunteered their time at various nonprofits. Nearly 14,000 combined volunteer hours have been logged so far in 2018 – a hefty 65 percent increase from 8,500 hours in 2017.

Ellis said CUNA Mutual Group has a long history of corporate social responsibility and corporate giving, and the company recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the CUNA Mutual Group Foundation. “We work hard to ensure a brighter financial future is accessible to everyone, but without access to basics like food, affordable housing, and educational opportunities, people can’t feel financially secure.”

The Foundation and its mission continue to evolve, Ellis added. Over the past three years, CUNA Mutual Group has increased its focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Filtering the Foundation’s work through this lens has produced positive and often unexpected outcomes. The same is true for corporate social responsibility and how CUNA Mutual Group serves the nonprofit community.

“Being more intentional with our giving efforts is beneficial—not only for the organizations that receive our support, but also for our community, and for us.”

To learn more about the CUNA Mutual Group Foundation, please visit: https://www.cunamutual.com/about-us/corporate-social-responsibility

About CUNA Mutual Group:
CUNA Mutual Group is a financially strong insurance, financial technology and investment company. For generations, we’ve partnered with credit union leaders to protect and grow their businesses, and help people plan, protect and invest for their future. CUNA Mutual Group offers commercial and personal insurance products; lending and payment security solutions; and retirement, investment and marketing services. Additional information about the company can be found at www.cunamutual.com.

About CUNA Mutual Group Foundation:
Celebrating 50 years, the CUNA Mutual Group Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) and is the philanthropic arm of CUNA Mutual Group. The foundation’s purpose is to advance economic stability and support the sustainable development of the communities where CUNA Mutual Group offices reside; including Madison, Wis.; Waverly, Iowa; Great Bend, Kansas; and Fort Worth, Texas. The foundation also actively supports and participates in the credit union movement, embracing the cooperative philosophy of “people helping people.”

CUNA Mutual Group is the marketing name for CUNA Mutual Holding Company, a mutual insurance holding company, its subsidiaries and affiliates. Life, accident, health and annuity insurance products are issued by CMFG Life Insurance Company and MEMBERS Life Insurance Company. Corporate headquarters are located in Madison, Wis.