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Throughout the year, Maine’s credit unions find creative ways to bring employees, members, and communities together in support of Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. From friendly competitions and special events to inventive promotions and fundraisers, those ideas help raise both critical funds and awareness for the Campaign.
The Innovation in Action Award celebrates that creativity by recognizing a credit union for a unique approach to supporting the Campaign. With nominations opening for the entire month of November, now is the time to start thinking about which of your credit union’s fundraisers you may want to submit for consideration.
Creativity Counts—Not Dollars Raised
The Innovation in Action Award isn’t about which fundraiser raises the most money. Creativity is what counts! Credit unions of all sizes are encouraged to submit the ideas that brought something unique, engaging, or innovative to their Ending Hunger efforts.
Any fundraiser benefiting Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger is eligible, provided proceeds are not split among multiple philanthropic efforts. Credit unions may also submit multiple fundraisers, so there is no need to narrow it down to just one great idea.
Submissions should briefly explain:
- The fundraiser concept and its goal or objective;
- When the fundraiser took place;
- How it was structured, including who was involved and any volunteer support needed; and
- What made the fundraiser unique or creative.
Ongoing fundraisers taking place throughout 2026 may also be submitted, even if they have not concluded when nominations open.
What Happens Next?
The nomination form will be open throughout November. In early December, the League’s Social Responsibility Committee will anonymously review the submissions and vote for its favorite creative fundraising concept.
The winning credit union will be announced and recognized at the annual Ending Hunger Results Celebration Luncheon, taking place in Freeport on Tuesday, February 9 (save the date!).
Last year, Community CU received the inaugural 2026 Innovation in Action Award for its Signature Soup Challenge. Will your credit union take home the honor next?
As November approaches, take a look back at the fundraisers your credit union has hosted this year and start thinking about the ideas that deserve to be in the running. Whether your fundraiser was big or small, elaborate or simple, if creativity helped bring people together for Ending Hunger, we want to hear about it!