Croatian Fraternal Union of America, Croatian Fraternal Union Croatian Fraternal Union of America MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMS In order to engage our members fully in activities that support Croatian heritage and the spirit of the fraternal benefit movement, the CFU has, throughout its history, established a number of programs in which members may participate. Appealing to diverse interests, these programs include the following: CFU SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION Recognizing the importance in encouraging and supporting young students in their pursuit of higher education, the CFU Scholarship Foundation, Inc. was founded in 1958. The Scholarship Fund has been established on a self-perpetuating basis and is funded through the creation of endowments and individual donations. Managed by its own Board of Directors, the Foundation has awarded 8,832 scholarship grants, totaling $2,880,355, to deserving students since its inception. SPORTS PROGRAMS The CFU was among the first ethnic fraternals to launch an active sports promotion program among its members. These sports programs date back to the late 1920's and have been continued to the present day. Tournaments and outings are held on the national, regional and local levels and include: skiing, basketball, golf and bowling. CULTURAL ACTIVITIES The Croatian Fraternal Union Junior Cultural Federation, organized in 1967, focuses on the promotion of Croatian national folklore among our CFU Junior membership. An annual festival, held in different locations across the United States, Canada and Croatia, features approximately 30 ensembles. In response to members' wishes to continue participation in tamburitza festivals after age 21, the CFU established the Adult TamFEST in 1987. Like the Junior Tamburitza Festival, CFU members in adult ensembles perform at an annual festival held in a different major city annually. Since its inception, the number of participating ensembles has grown to over 30. CROATIAN HOMES Across the United States and Canada, there are numerous Croatian homes and centers, the majority owned and operated by our Lodges, that exist within the community as a meeting place for members' fraternal activities. Our membership also takes an active role in the Croatian Churches in their communities. CROATIAN RADIO PROGRAMS Croatian radio programs operated by our members and supported by lodges and united lodges organizations can be heard, particularly on Saturdays and Sundays, in many cities in the United States and Canada. In addition to hearing beautiful Croatian musical selections, these programs serve as a resource for members to obtain information on upcoming events and other items of interest to our Croatian people. THE CFU TODAY - A MODERN BUSINESS New CFU Headquarters While we are proud of our activities on the cultural side, our basic purpose from the beginning of the Society has been to provide our members with the best possible protection available. In our second century of fraternalism, we continue to dedicate our efforts to offer the most complete, up-to-date portfolio of quality, affordable programs to meet all of our members' financial needs. This includes the addition of annuity/IRA products in the 1970's, as well as offering various focused product promotions from time to time. The Croatian Fraternal Union of America has proved to be a true fraternalist organization, based on a program of benevolence and humane relations. The Society shows clearly that even after a hundred years, its membership is aware of its roots, of being part of the Croatian people. Based on these beliefs and principles, the Croatian Fraternal Union of America can look ahead with optimism, expecting yet another century of successful work.