Cardinal Credit Union and The Cleveland Browns Enhance Youth Financial Education and Family Engagement
REIMAGINED PARTNERSHIP ADVANCES YOUTH FINANCIAL EDUCATION AND FAMILY-FOCUSED COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING ACROSS NORTHEAST OHIO.
Cardinal Credit Union, a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative serving the community through high-performance banking products and services, is excited to focus their relationship with the Cleveland Browns for the 2026-27 season on providing Northeast Ohio families with youth financial education and family engagement activities. Building on the success of the Lil’ Brownies SmartStart program in place since 2024, the collaborative partnership will zero in on creating new opportunities for Browns fans and Cardinal members while Cardinal helps young people develop strong financial habits for the future.
“Early education on financial wellness is a critical need today to set young people up for future success,” said Christine Blake, CEO, Cardinal Credit Union. “We are excited to refine our partnership with the Browns in ways that demonstrate strong community engagement through Browns-related programs and events with financial wellness at Cardinal’s core. Like Cardinal, the Browns are committed to making a difference in the community.”
Remaining at the cornerstone of Cardinal’s programming is its parent-guided savings program. Through the program, parents can provide their children with a free savings account, a custom Lil’ Brownies Debit Card, and tools to monitor transactions, build saving habits, and develop financial confidence. The Lil’ Brownies Debit Card helps kids develop a strong financial foundation in a safe, parent-guided environment with exciting benefits and perks.
“Our work with Cardinal Credit Union is about more than what happens on game day—it’s about how we can support the people and communities that make Northeast Ohio special,” said Jenner Tekancic, Vice President of Community Relations for the Cleveland Browns. “By expanding programs like the Lil’ Brownies Debit Card, we’re helping make financial education more approachable for young fans and creating opportunities to positively impact families in our shared communities.”
Throughout the 2026-27 season, the partnership will feature more family-focused experiences, increased community engagement opportunities, youth activities, and expanded event participation. Members may have opportunities to enjoy experiences such as Browns Skills & Drills Camp, Training Camp access, the National Anthem Field Experience, Jr. Browns Backers activities, Browns Draft Party events, appearances by Browns players, mascot Chomps, and alumni at Cardinal branches, plus exclusive contests and giveaways.
The focus for the 2026-27 season complements Cardinal’s broader youth financial education efforts. Through programs at five Northeast Ohio high schools and Lakeland Community College, students have opportunities to build money management skills while participating in Browns-related incentives and experiences.
From elementary school students taking their first steps in financial literacy through Lil’ Brownies Debit Card program, to high school and college students learning real-world money management skills, Cardinal Credit Union will continue creating opportunities for Northeast Ohio youth to learn, grow, and engage with the Browns in meaningful ways.
