Acumen Financial Advantage marked the first anniversary of its BrightFutures4Kids campaign, announcing $40,971 donated to Children’s Miracle Network in the program’s first year. That’s more than double the $20,000 total Acumen announced in April. The campaign has also drawn over 500 selfies posted on LinkedIn, and the count is still growing.
Acumen also announced it will extend BrightFutures4Kids for a second year. In year two, credit unions that open a new charitable donation account (CDA) with Acumen will be invited to match Acumen’s donations to Children’s Miracle Network hospitals in their community.
A campaign built on selfies and a little-known account
Acumen launched BrightFutures4Kids in October 2025 to raise funds for children’s hospitals while introducing more credit unions to CDAs. For every LinkedIn selfie posted with #BrightFutures4Kids, Acumen donates $10 to Children’s Miracle Network. Acumen also donates 5 percent of its revenue from every CDA it implements. Throughout the year, and again during this fall conference season, credit union leaders and staff have posted selfies from exhibit halls and sessions across the country.
The campaign was designed to raise awareness of CDAs, a giving tool many credit unions have yet to use. Under NCUA rules in place since 2013, a federally chartered credit union may hold investments that would be otherwise impermissible, as long as at least 51 percent of the account’s total return goes to qualified charities.
The impact is growing quickly. Across the 60 credit unions and community organizations working with Acumen, CDAs are now on track to generate at least $5.98 million a year for nonprofits, up from about $56,000 a year at the end of 2024. Almost all of that giving stays local, supporting food banks, children’s hospitals, shelters and school foundations.
“When we started BrightFutures4Kids, we hoped a few selfies would start a conversation about how our favorite charities like Children’s Miracle Network can be funded through charitable donation accounts. A year later, our community has helped raise more than $40,000 for children’s hospitals, and our clients’ CDAs are on track to give nearly $6 million a year to the causes they care about most,” said Samantha Paxson, Principal at Acumen Financial Advantage. “In year two, we’re inviting credit unions to join us by matching our gift when they open a new CDA. Every new account can support their own community and children’s health at the same time.”
“Credit unions have a long history of showing up for kids in their communities, and BrightFutures4Kids has given them a meaningful way to do it,” said Nick Coleman, Managing Director, Program Development at Children’s Miracle Network. “We’re proud to extend our partnership with Acumen for a second year and build on the momentum of year one. Throughout the coming year, we’ll join Acumen at industry events to share how the new CDA match helps credit unions make a lasting impact on children’s health, with every dollar staying at their local hospital.”
Take part
Credit union professionals can join the campaign by posting a selfie on LinkedIn with #BrightFutures4Kids. Credit unions interested in learning how a CDA could work for them can visit Acumen | Charitable Donation Account (CDAs).
About Acumen Financial Advantage
Acumen Financial Advantage is a financial strategy consultancy serving credit unions, banks, healthcare systems, and nonprofits nationwide. With a focus on Financial Capacity, Leadership Continuity, and Community Value, Acumen works with more than 100 credit unions to design executive compensation and benefits programs that help organizations recruit, reward, and retain the leadership talent they need to thrive. Learn more at www.acumenfa.com.
About Children’s Miracle Network
For more than 40 years, Children’s Miracle Network® has been a symbol of hope, elevating possibilities for every child in need of care. As the leading charity impacting children’s health, we unite people, partners and programs to raise urgently needed funds for children’s hospitals across the U.S. and Canada.
Wherever you see our iconic balloon, you’ll find donors, corporate partners and fundraising programs joining forces to help hospitals meet their most critical needs—from life-saving treatments and advanced equipment to innovative research and family support. Every dollar raised supports the local children’s hospital, bringing brighter futures within reach for all kids.
As a dedicated partner of Children’s Miracle Network, Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids) brings the ‘people helping people’ philosophy to life by fueling healthier tomorrows for local kids. Learn more at cmn.org.
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