GUIDE

CREDIT UNIONS HOSTING COMMUNITY EVENTS

Community is at the heart of every credit union. They express their love for their community by hosting special community events. From member appreciation days to financial literacy workshops, credit unions use events to reinforce their mission of putting people over profits. These events are valuable to CUs because they give them opportunities to connect, educate, celebrate, and give back directly in the communities in which they serve.

BUILDING COMMUNTY CONNECTIONS

If you’re a credit union professional wondering how to plan impactful events or which types of events resonate most with members, this guide is for you. Let’s explore the what, why, and how of creating meaningful credit union events.

Why Credit Unions Host Events

Credit unions host events to strengthen their bonds with members and their community by:

Fostering Member Engagement

Events provide opportunities to interact with members in a personal and meaningful way. Build rapport with the members of your community by getting a chance to know them.

Promoting Financial Literacy

Workshops and seminars empower members to make smarter financial decisions. Members won’t sign up for saving accounts, rewards cards, CDs, and other services your CU offers if they are not educated on how they can benefit from them.

Giving Back to the Community

Fundraisers, charity drives, and volunteer events underscore credit unions’ commitment to local causes. CUs put kindness into motion through acts of kindness.

Building Loyalty

Celebrating milestones and achievements fosters a sense of belonging among members. You can’t be part of the community if you don't participate in it.

Financial Education Workshops

Covering topics like budgeting, credit repair, and homeownership.

Corning Credit Union partnered with Catholic Charities Chemung & Schuyler to provide home buyer education.

Member Appreciation Days

Celebrating members with giveaways, raffles, and refreshments.

Weld Community Credit Union partnered with Sunrise Silhouettes by bringing alpacas to their Member Appreciation Week..

Community Service Initiatives

Hosting food drives, cleanup days, toy drives, shred days, diaper drives, or partnering with local charities.

West Community Credit Union held a holiday Diaper Drive to help the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery.

Family-Friendly Gatherings

Holiday parties, movie nights, or outdoor picnics bring members and their families together.

MAX Credit Union Sponsored Summer Nights at the Shoppes.

Seasonal Events

From tax-prep assistance in spring to holiday celebrations in winter, these events keep the calendar vibrant.

Syracuse Fire Credit Union teamed up with the fire and police department to host their Visit with Santa Celebration.

These events not only cater to members’ needs but also highlight the credit union’s role as a community pillar.

How to Plan a Successful Credit Union Event in 6 Steps

Planning a credit union event requires a strategic approach to ensure it’s impactful and aligns with your goals. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Define Your Purpose

Start by determining the event’s objective. Is it to educate, celebrate, fundraise, or recruit new members?

2. Know Your Audience

Segment your membership and tailor the event to their interests and needs.

3. Set a Budget

Outline all potential costs, prioritize spending, and explore sponsorship opportunities to stretch your resources.

4. Promote Effectively

Use email, social media, in-branch posters, and local partnerships to spread the word. Create excitement with engaging messaging and visuals.

5. Focus on Experience

Plan interactive activities, offer perks, and ensure the event is accessible to all members.

6. Follow Up

Gather feedback, share event highlights through photos and videos, and thank participants to strengthen relationships.

Making the Most of Credit Union Events

Credit union events aren’t just about planning and hosting—they’re about creating moments that leave lasting impressions. Here are some keys to maximize impact:

Encourage Member Participation

Involve members in planning or volunteering to foster a sense of ownership.

Leverage Event Content

Turn photos, videos, and testimonials into marketing materials to share with your community.

Measure Success

Track attendance, engagement, surveys, and feedback to refine future events.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s a workshop to help members budget for the holidays or a community shred day to protect against identity theft, events are a cornerstone of credit unions’ service-driven mission. By understanding why events matter, choosing the right types, and planning with precision, your credit union can create gatherings that bring people together, make a difference, and leave lasting impacts.

Start planning your next event today, and watch your members—and your community—thrive!

CU Event Manager

Get Your Copy of the CU Event Manager for your next community event at your branch.