In response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the Illinois Credit Union Foundation (ICUF) announced a new program to assist credit unions through this difficult time. ICUF is providing $160,000 in funds to deal with COVID-19 crisis. 

Grants up to $2,000 are available to help small credit unions (up to $100 million in assets) offset unexpected COVID-related expenses.

The grants will provide assistance in three main areas:

• COVID-19 Grants for small credit unions;
• Financial counselor certification; and
• Remote/virtual financial education. 

John Fiore, ICUF Chairman, believes this program aligns with the credit union philosophy.

“The COVID pandemic has changed the world in profound ways and the ICU Foundation is responding by providing a variety of assistance in keeping with our mission of supporting credit unions,” he said.

Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

ICUF Executive Director Melanie Murphy, said “The ICU Foundation is dedicated to helping credit unions.  Our new COVID grants are designed to make sure credit unions are able to serve their members while keeping everyone’s health and safety as the highest priority.  The financial counseling and financial education aspects represent our long-term commitment to financial health.”

Applications are now available on the Illinois Credit Union League website