TriUnity Foundation Gala Raises $166,000 to Support Credit Union Members Facing Terminal Illness

St. Cloud, MN – April 8, 2025 — The TriUnity Foundation’s inaugural gala, held March 27 in St. Cloud, Minnesota, raised $166,000 to support credit union members facing the financial burden of a terminal illness. The event welcomed 113 attendees and marked a powerful step forward in rallying the credit union movement around a national, compliant solution for members in medical crisis.

Formed by leaders within the credit union movement, TriUnity Foundation is the first and only national foundation led by credit unions that provides direct financial relief to members navigating terminal diagnoses—allowing credit unions to support members meaningfully without compliance risk or operational burden.

A Unified Industry Response

The gala was backed by an impressive 43 sponsors, with many others making generous contributions throughout the evening—several giving multiple times. The event underscored a growing movement within the credit union industry to combine mission and strategy in addressing real member needs.

“This night showed what’s possible when people and purpose come together,” said LeAnn Case, Board Chair of the TriUnity Foundation. “Our sponsors, donors, and guests demonstrated what it looks like to lead with both strategy and heart—giving real help to members when they need it most.”

The Credit Union Difference, Activated

St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, the founding credit union of the TriUnity Foundation, set the tone for the evening with a powerful message from CEO Jed Meyer, who challenged attendees to “use the platform you have to make a meaningful difference—rather than waiting for the one you want.”

Meyer highlighted the Foundation’s innovative restricted fund model as a clear value proposition for credit unions across the nation:

“This is a win-win-win. Win #1: You help a member facing a terminal illness focus on what truly matters—treatment, family, and peace of mind. Win #2: The impact flows back into your brand and your community—it’s one of the most meaningful ROI opportunities in existence. Win #3: The grant funds often go straight back to your balance sheet. Members can stay current on loans, and reciprocal marketing tells us they—and their families—are more likely to stay with your credit union.”

Meeting an Urgent Need--Compliantly

Every minute, four Americans are diagnosed with cancer—and three of them will face financial devastation. Over the next decade, it is estimated that more than 3 million credit union members will receive a terminal diagnosis, impacting billions in outstanding loans.

With TriUnity, credit unions can provide real, immediate relief. When a credit union contributes to the Foundation, those funds are used directly to support their members in crisis, offering grants of $2,500 or $10,000 to alleviate financial burdens. These grants help members stay current on loans, maintain financial stability, and focus on what truly matters—treatment, family, and peace of mind.

TriUnity Foundation provides a compliant, proactive solution for credit unions. By directing funds to the Foundation, credit unions can offer meaningful support to their members without the risks associated with direct financial assistance. The Foundation ensures that all grants are managed in full compliance with regulations, protecting credit unions from operational strain and compliance challenges while delivering direct relief to members in need.

Additionally, unrestricted funds raised through the generosity of the community, medical industry, and credit union vendor partners are crucial to the Foundation’s ongoing strategy. These contributions enable the Foundation to maintain operational flexibility, innovate new solutions, and expand its reach—ensuring credit unions nationwide can continue supporting their members through terminal illness without compliance risk or operational burden.

About TriUnity Foundation

TriUnity Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit built by and for credit unions. With an effort to unite hearts for hope, healing, and strength and a mission to alleviate financial strain, the Foundation provides grants to credit union members facing terminal illness—offering peace of mind and preserving dignity during life’s most difficult season. Learn more or get involved at www.scfcu.org/Foundation.