CULAF & CULAC

A primary mission of the Northwest Credit Union Association is to influence legislation by encouraging and promoting participation in governmental affairs activities. This is important because recent events have demonstrated the persuasive effect the political process has on the ability of credit unions to prosper, much less survive.

One of the most effective strategies to successfully achieve high levels of participation is to assist in the election of candidates who are credit union supporters. It's a fact of politics that modern election campaigns need money to be effective.

Because of the financial support of state-chartered credit unions who contribute to the Northwest Association's two state PACs—Credit Union Legislative Action Funds (CULAF)—credit unions are successful in assisting the campaigns of elected officials. We need to continue to be proactive with the Washington and Oregon state legislatures, which includes maintaining a strong political action committee to advance the interests of credit unions.

Additionally, reaching our annual goal for federal political fundraising remains a priority through the Credit Union Legislative Action Council (CULAC). Thanks in part to financial commitments from credit union supporters across the northwest,  CULAC is now one of the top federal political action committees nationally, raising more than $2 million each election cycle.

Credit Union Legislative Action Fund (CULAF)

What is it? CULAF are the state level Political Action Committees (PAC’s) registered in Washington and Oregon.   

Who runs it? CULAF is administered by members of the PAC Committee.  Committee members are appointed from the membership in both states to oversee operations and provide direction.

Who gets $?   CULAF primarily makes contributions to support the election of candidates for the state Senate and House. Occasionally, we’ll support statewide candidates like the Governor or State Treasurer. Rarely, some funds are used to support local candidates like county commissioners.  Oregon CULAF funds go to support Oregon candidates.  Washington CULAF funds go to support Washington candidates.

Who decides?   The PAC Committee is  ultimately accountable for its contributions. In practice, NWCUA staff recommend contributions based upon their interaction with legislators and candidates, advice from our retained lobbyist, political groups, and local credit unions.

Can CUSOs give?   Yes. CULAF can receive corporate donations and has relied heavily on support from CUSOs in the past.  

Can FCU’s give?  No.  Federally chartered credit unions may not make political contributions under the Federal Credit Union Act.

For more information on CULAF please contact Mark Minickiello, CULAF Treasurer at mminickiello@nwcua.org or 800.995.9064, ext. 102.

Credit Union Legislative Action Council (CULAC)

What is it?   CULAC is a federally registered Political Action Committee (PAC).  

Who runs it?   CULAC is administered by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA). Trustees are appointed by CUNA to oversee operations and provide direction.   Each state has one CULAC Trustee.

Who gets $?   As a federal PAC, CULAC can only make contributions to support election of federal candidates. That includes members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.   

Who decides?   CULAC's trustees are ultimately accountable for its contributions. In practice, NWCUA staff recommend contributions based upon their interaction with legislators and consultation with CUNA staff, political groups, and local credit unions.

Who gives $?   Federal PACs like CULAC can only receive contributions from individuals. CULAC is supported solely by contributions from the volunteers, staff, and members of credit unions and associations who are members of CUNA.    

Can CUs give?   No. CULAC cannot receive corporate donations.    

Can CUSOs give?   No. CULAC cannot receive corporate donations.