MADISON, Wis. – The National Credit Union Foundation has announced the opening of nominations for its 2026 Herb Wegner Memorial Awards.
“These awards stand as the highest national honors within the credit union movement, spotlighting exemplary leaders, initiatives, and organizations that have left an indelible mark on the community,” the Foundation said.
Presented annually at the Foundation Dinner—“an esteemed fundraising gala”—the Herb Wegner Memorial Awards serve as a beacon of recognition for those whose contributions have propelled the credit union movement forward, the foundation added.
‘Inspired & Energized’
“Every year, people leave the Foundation Dinner inspired and energized by the moving stories and transformational impact of the Herb Wegner awardees,” Lauren Culp, executive director of the Foundation, said in a statement. “This week, we open nominations for our 2026 awards. This is the highest honor our movement bestows. Please consider nominating an individual, organization or program whose work reflects our cooperative values and an unwavering commitment to improving financial well-being for all.”
The Categories
Nominations are open in two distinct categories:
Outstanding Individual Achievement
“To honor an individual who is dedicated to promoting the credit union philosophy, has created innovative concepts, and provided leadership that has had a significant and lasting impact on the local, regional, national and/or international credit union movement with measured results,” the foundation said. Outstanding Organization or Program
“To honor an organization, program or business for their innovative concepts, products, and services that have had a significant impact on the local, regional, national and/or international credit union movement with measured results.”
The Requirements
The foundation said nominations can come from individuals and/or organizations. The following are the three required steps to make a nomination:
- Complete the Herb Wegner Memorial Award Nominations form here through the online portal (this will require you to create an account) or here with the PDF document.
- Gather at least five, but no more than 10, personal recommendations citing examples of the nominee’s achievements relevant to the award criteria.
- Submit the nomination documents and recommendation letters/videos electronically to the Foundation by June 30, 2025.
Awards will be presented at the 37th annual National Credit Union Foundation Dinner Presenting the Herb Wegner Memorial Awards on Monday, March 2, 2026, in conjunction with the America’s Credit Unions Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington.
For more info: ncuf.coop/foundationdinner.