This week’s New York Minute highlights a final call for EXCEL 26 Silent Auction donations, a major fundraising milestone from Sunmark Credit Union, upcoming educational opportunities, and resources designed to help credit unions better serve and protect their members. Read on for the latest updates from around the movement.
Last Call: Donate to the EXCEL 26 Silent Auction to Support NYCUF
There’s still time to make a difference! The EXCEL 26 Silent Auction is just around the corner, and the New York Credit Union Foundation is seeking a few final donations before bidding begins.
The annual auction is one of the Foundation’s signature fundraising initiatives, helping support financial wellness programs, professional development opportunities, disaster relief efforts, and other initiatives that strengthen credit unions and the communities they serve. Popular donations have included gift baskets, vacation packages, event tickets, electronics, local experiences, and unique member gifts.
Donations must be submitted soon, so don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your organization while supporting a great cause.
Sunmark Credit Union Golf Classic Raises More Than $75,000 for the Community
Sunmark Credit Union’s commitment to giving back was on full display during its 26th Annual Charity Golf Classic, which raised more than $75,000 for the Sunmark Charitable Community Foundation.
Held at Normanside Country Club in Delmar, the event welcomed more than 100 golfers and over 50 corporate sponsors for a day of golf, networking, raffles, and community impact. Since its inception in 2000, the tournament has become a cornerstone fundraising event, generating support for nonprofit organizations and initiatives throughout Sunmark’s service area.
Proceeds from the event directly benefit the Foundation, which provides financial contributions, volunteer support, and resources to organizations working to improve quality of life, strengthen communities, and expand financial education opportunities.
CU4Kids Webinar Explores Member Trust, Giving, and Community Impact
How do consumers view charitable giving? What role do credit unions play in fostering trust and strengthening local communities? A new CU4Kids webinar will explore these questions through the lens of recently released research from Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
The session will examine key findings on member perceptions of charitable giving, trust in financial institutions, and the impact of community-focused initiatives. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how charitable partnerships can strengthen member relationships while reinforcing the credit union mission.
Whether your credit union already participates in fundraising initiatives or is looking to expand its community impact efforts, this webinar offers actionable insights backed by new research.
Fighting Member Target Fraud Starts Inside the Credit Union
Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using tactics like artificial intelligence, impersonation schemes, and social engineering to manipulate consumers into giving away sensitive information or transferring funds. As these scams continue to evolve, credit unions play a critical role in protecting members and strengthening fraud prevention efforts.
In a new article from TruStage, Risk Consultant Holly Speczenski explores the growing threat of member-targeted fraud and outlines practical steps credit unions can take to reduce risk. From employee training and member education to building a culture of fraud awareness, the article highlights strategies that can help institutions stay one step ahead of emerging threats.
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Announces Launch of the 2026 Small Business Recovery Grant (SBRG) Program
The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY) has announced the launch of its 2026 Small Business Recovery Grant (SBRG) Program, providing funding to support eligible small businesses as they recover, rebuild, and grow.
Through the program, participating financial institutions can help connect qualified businesses with grant funding designed to address operational challenges, invest in recovery efforts, and strengthen long-term sustainability. The initiative reflects FHLBNY’s ongoing commitment to supporting economic development and fostering resilient local communities.
Credit unions and other participating institutions are encouraged to learn more about eligibility requirements, funding availability, and application details to help connect local businesses with these valuable resources.
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