Print
From left to right: Maine Credit Union League President Elise Baldacci; Director of Communications & Social Impact Lauren Simonds; and League Vice President Jen Burke.
Credit union representatives from across Maine gathered in Freeport on Tuesday to announce the 2025 fundraising results of their collaborative Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. During a ceremony hosted by the League, the Campaign reported raising $1,496,116.71 in food and monetary donations during its most recent fundraising year.
This total reflects the Campaign’s strongest fundraising year as it marked its 35th year of fighting hunger in communities across Maine in 2025. Through this shared success, the Campaign supported 298 organizations statewide, reinforcing the vital hunger-relief work taking place in Maine communities.
Heather Paquette, President of Good Shepherd Food Bank, addresses luncheon participants.
The event featured special guest Heather Paquette, President of Good Shepherd Food Bank, who provided a timely update on the organization’s efforts to ensure access to food for Mainers facing hunger. University of Maine students in attendance also shared details about their upcoming April Maine Day Meal Packout and ways credit unions can support UMaine’s efforts to address food insecurity. During the event, the Campaign for Ending Hunger presented the University of Maine Foundation with a $5,000 donation to support the Meal Packout.
Award Winners | Volunteerism and Creativity
The Results Luncheon wouldn’t be complete without recognizing special achievements through the Campaign’s signature awards. Thanks to the League’s Volunteer Tracking Program, Maine credit unions reported 36,146.84 hours of volunteer service. According to the Independent Sector, these efforts are valued at approximately $1,257,548.56—an amount even higher than last year’s total.
Three credit unions were recognized by asset size for recording the most volunteer time last year. Each received a Volunteer Excellence Award:
- Gardiner FCU: 1,335.25 volunteer hours
- New Dimensions FCU: 2,355.25 volunteer hours
- University CU: 4,546 volunteer hours
The League distributed a new award at the event—our Innovation in Action Award. This award recognizes a credit union’s creativity in organizing a successful fundraiser for the Campaign for Ending Hunger and is voted on by members of our League’s Social Responsibility Committee. For our inaugural year, Community CU was honored for their Signature Soup Challenge.
Award Winners | Fundraising Achievements
Seven credit unions were recognized for contributing the most dollars to the Campaign in 2025:
Team Atlantic FCU accepts their award.
- Atlantic FCU: $148,004.24
- Maine State CU: $122,246.58
- Acadia FCU: $103,024.09
- The County FCU: $80,251.56
- PeoplesChoice CU: $60,079.20
- Cumberland County FCU: $53,553.01
- Evergreen CU: $47,849.37
The League also honored seven credit unions that raised the most total dollars per member:
Team Gardiner FCU accepts their award.
- Gardiner FCU: $7.16 per member
- Acadia FCU: $5.77 per member
- Maine State CU: $3.31 per member
- Sebasticook Valley FCU: $3.13 per member
- Atlantic FCU: $3.02 per member
- PeoplesChoice CU: $2.93 per member
- Sabattus Regional CU: $2.84 per member
Both Atlantic FCU and Gardiner FCU took home top honors in their respective categories last year, as well.
Fundraising Milestone
Cheers of applause over the announcement of a new fundraising achievement.
Since the Campaign’s founding in 1990, Maine credit unions have contributed more than $16.3 million to support hunger-relief efforts across the state. Looking ahead to 2026, the Campaign has set a goal of raising $1.5 million in food and monetary donations.
To close out the special event, League President Elise Baldacci shared this message with attendees, “What you have accomplished here matters. Because of your commitment, your generosity, and your belief in this work, more families will have access to healthy, nourishing food. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together—and even more excited about what’s still ahead.”
Download the 2025 Year in Review one-pager here.