The National Credit Union Foundation announced it launched a new, free, online toolkit Monday that provides credit unions with information and resources on how to start and operate their own philanthropic foundation as well as other charitable and outreach activities.

The 23-page Credit Union Philanthropy & Foundation toolkit explores how credit unions are engaging in philanthropy, the resources available to credit unions, trends in starting credit union foundations and examples of different credit unions' philanthropic endeavors.

It also provides background on the philanthropic role and work of the Foundation and state credit union foundations, which credit unions can leverage in their own communities.

“More than ever, credit unions are expanding their charitable endeavors,” Foundation Executive Director Gigi Hyland wrote in the toolkit. “From food drives to breast cancer walks, credit unions are significantly involved in charitable works around the country. We at the Foundation hope this toolkit helps you improve the financial lives of your members and those in your communities through impactful philanthropy.”

The Foundation conservatively estimated there are 53 credit union foundations operating today across the nation. Because the Foundation and state credit union foundations regularly receive inquiries from credit unions about how to start a foundation, the number of cooperative foundations is expected to grow annually.

The toolkit, authored by Hyland, is available to credit unions free of charge at ncuf.coop.