Our Community Matters.
Legacy Community Federal Credit Union was established in 1955 as a University Credit Union with the goal of serving the University of Alabama at Birmingham community. Legacy went on to serve the education and healthcare industries for more than 50 years. Following the expansion of the field of membership to include all seven counties of the Greater Birmingham Metropolitan Area, Legacy changed its name in 2006 to Legacy Community Federal Credit Union. That meant that anyone who works, lives, worships or attends school in Bibb, Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair and Walker counties is eligible for a Legacy Credit Union membership.
Legacy is passionate about community improvement through hands-on involvement, which the credit union participates in through various facets. In 2010 employees of Legacy Community Federal Credit Union founded the Legacy For Good Foundation in collaboration with community members. As a 501(c)3, the Foundation’s mission is to strengthen the community by focusing its efforts on education, community and rural development, charitable endeavors, the arts, and the environment. The foundation aids individuals in immediate need as well as supporting local non-profits to better the Greater Birmingham area. Recently, the Legacy for Good Foundation partnered with Legacy Credit Union for the 5th Annual Legacy for Children’s initiative and was able to donate $14,632 to Children’s of Alabama, the state’s only freestanding pediatric medical facility. Some other local foundations that grants have been awarded to include our Backpack Buddies of Shelby County, Magic City Woodworks, Wings of Hope and many more.
Legacy is also a proud sponsor of the Legacy Arena at Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex that houses diverse events for the community such as concerts and performances. The venue includes adjoining hotel rooms, an exclusive Uptown Entertainment District that includes dining and entertainment that contribute to the quality of life and the health of the economy in the community. Legacy President and CEO John McGee said of the venture, “Our partnership with the BJCC is just a tangible way that Legacy can help ensure that this positive momentum is sustained and that our members and potential members continue to enjoy the benefits of a growing and vibrant community.”
Legacy is passionate about supporting faculty and students of UAB as well. The credit union donated $4.2 million to contribute to the construction of the state-of-the-art UAB Blazers practice facility after the return of the football program was announced in 2016. Legacy also provides UAB students with tools and resources to manage their finances and build credit while in school. Legacy also offers UAB employees the perk of discounts on various necessities through Legacy Member Rewards.
The Legacy Pavilion & Football Operations Center includes a practice field, office space, meeting and film rooms, athletic training facilities, locker rooms, and a weight room. Blazers head coach Bill Clark said, “We will be proud to practice every day under the Legacy name, which will serve as a reminder that we are fighting for a community that is behind us.” Fighting for the community is the foundation that Legacy Community Federal Credit Union is based on. UAB President Ray L. Watts considered the investment and community involvement from Legacy to be helpful not only to UAB Athletics but also to the development of the community and the wellbeing of the neighborhood and employee financial services.
“Legacy has a longstanding history of promoting projects of broad and positive influence, and we are proud that Legacy is the official credit union of UAB,” Watts said. “Legacy is a loyal partner that has demonstrated a commitment to the growth and betterment of the communities we both serve.”
Legacy Credit Union continues to contribute to the success of the students at UAB by donating to the University and providing UAB employees the perk of discounts on various necessities through Legacy Member Rewards. UAB students also have the opportunity to open a checking account specifically designed for students called Blazer Banking. Blazer Banking is a free student checking account targeted toward UAB students in order to help students grow their credit while in school. The student-specific program also provides opportunities, rewards, and services specifically crafted for students. Managing finances as a student is made easier to learn and manage while parents also have the opportunity to deposit funds into their child’s account and monitoring financial progress.