Madison Credit Union was founded in 1936 to help members borrow money for pressing needs, such as medical bills. Loan terms were set according to the member's ability to repay. According to Jim Brophy, the first member to sign the credit union's charter, "It gave us the courage to go on." Although the products, services, and location have evolved through the years our mission has not changed: “Not for profit, not for charity, but for service”.