Through grants resulting from a combination of Community Investment Fund (CIF) dollars and monies from other sources, state credit union foundations and leagues are providing invaluable financial services in communities across the nation.
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Two Donations put New York's CIF at $30.5 million
The New York Credit Union Foundation (NYCUF) announced that Sidney (N.Y.) FCU donated an additional $500,000 to the Community Investment Fund (CIF), bringing the credit union's total investment level to $2 million and NYCUF's CIF to a record $30.5 million. The CIF also received $28,000 from a new investor, St. Pius X Church FCU.
"The many grants and programs that are funded by the CIF are wonderful indicators of what our industry is all about, and deserving of additional support," said Jim Doig, president/CEO of Sidney FCU. |
 Ohio CU Foundation to Grant $226,000 in 2007
The Ohio Credit Union Foundation (OCUF), a philanthropic arm of the Ohio Credit Union System, will grant $226,000 in 2007 to fund educational and outreach initiatives.
Last year, the foundation granted more than $143,000. AurGroup Financial CU, Fairfield, and Parish FCU, Toledo, both received outreach grants to fund financial literacy outreaches (eLumination May 9). |
Carolinas Foundation Re-ups with Victory Junction Gang Camp
The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation announced that it will sponsor Victory Junction Gang Camp in Randleman, N.C., for one week in the summer of 2007.
The sponsorship will be held July 7-11, during Spina Bifida week at Victory Junction. Credit unions will be asked to provide funding and volunteers for the camp.
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Texas Foundation to take Revised NEFE Program to Schools
The Texas Credit Union Foundation will embark on a year-long initiative to bring the National Endowment for Financial Education's (NEFE) revised High School Financial Planning Program (HSFPP) to Texas students.
It will partner with credit unions, chapters and the Texas A&M County Extension Service to implement the effort (LoneStar Leaguer Feb. 14). NEFE has spent the past two years revising the curriculum and adapting it to all Texas social studies TEKS and financial education standards. |
RMJ Foundation Raises More than $1 Million in 2006
The Biz Kid$ television program is among the financial literacy projects that will benefit from the more than $1 million raised in 2006 by the Richard Myles Johnson (RMJ) Foundation.
During 2006, the Foundation received more than $200,000 from Community Investment Fund disbursements and nearly $300,000 from credit unions. It raised more than $80,000 from its annual golf tournament, the CU Train event and Beacon Awards Gala. Another $64,000 was raised for the USA TODAY Education program.
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MD/DC Foundation Announces $76,000 in Grants
Small credit unions, low-wealth members and education programs will benefit from 2007 grants totaling $76,000 made by the Credit Union Foundation of Maryland and the District of Columbia.
This first round of grant funding includes a $40,000 grant for a small credit union development program. It will be used with a 2006 foundation award of $35,000 and another $35,000 in matching funds from the National Credit Union Foundation.
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Iowa Foundation Campaign Targets Unbanked Hispanics
A Spanish-language awareness campaign helped the Iowa Credit Union Foundation surpass its goal of reaching 10,000 Hispanics in the Polk County area.
From September through December 2006, radio and print advertisements were combined with distribution of information materials to educate unbanked Hispanics about the need to secure their money and the role of credit unions.
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New York Foundation Announces Financial Fitness Grants
A new Financial Fitness grant program from the New York Credit Union Foundation will offer financial assistance for credit unions' "behind-the-scenes" infrastructure needs.
Financial Fitness grants of $500 to $2,500 will be available for projects such as Internet access, software upgrades, safer storage of members' personal data, at-home banking services, handicapped-accessible teller stations, identity theft solutions, debit or credit card programs and remittance services.
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Colorado/Wyoming $15,000 Grant Supports Homeownership
Elevations CU has received $15,000 from the Colorado Community Investment Fund of the Credit Union Foundation of Colorado and Wyoming to support its American Dream Campaign for affordable housing.
The funds will help families purchase homes in Longmont's Blue Vista Neighborhood, which is now being developed by Thistle Community Housing.
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Montana CUs Promote Free Tax Filing Help
Helena (Mont.) Community CU hosted a multi-agency press conference aimed at educating consumers with modest incomes about options for free tax preparation and electronic filing services.
The Montana Credit Union Network joined with other agencies to sponsor the conference and promote a new website, www.MontanaFreeFile.org. The "one-stop" site pulls together information about online access to free tax assistance and offers tools to help consumers determine which option is right for them based on age, location and financial status.
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Carolinas Program Grants $172,000 in First Year
The Micro Community Grants program has awarded $172,000 to 11 non-profit agencies in North and South Carolina in its first year of operation.
The micro-grants effort is the social responsibility project of the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation (CCUF), which credited the efforts of credit union chapters in both Carolinas for its success (North Carolina News Dec. 7).
Non-profit agencies are allowed to submit grant applications in cooperation with credit unions in both states. The program is designed to provide funding for innovative programs developed by small, grassroots, non-profit agencies.
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