The National Credit Union Foundation launched its CUAid app in July as a way for the credit union system to strengthen the industry’s response in the face of disaster. The app is available for Apple and Android devices, and has a web browser version.

The app was developed by the Foundation in collaboration with PSCU, funded by CUNA Mutual Group and FIS and developed by CU-APPS.

It has four major functions:

• Connect to find and share needed resources with credit unions;
• Report a disaster to the National Credit Union Foundation;
• Prepare a checklist to prepare credit unions for a disaster and content for the "connect" database; and 
• Donate to CUAid to help others recover from natural disasters

The “prepare” section of the app helps organizations to strengthen their internal disaster preparedness and provides the database with content for the “connect” section.

By completing the “prepare” section, users are setting their credit union up for success when faced with a natural disaster, as well as potentially providing critically needed resources to another credit union. The “connect” section of the app then serves as a “matching” service for credit unions needing resources such as mobile branches, generators, etc., after a disaster strikes.

This cooperative action enables credit unions to recover quicker in order to serve members.

Additional information on the app can be found on the Foundation’s website, its frequently asked questions document and the Admin Users Guide.