July 2021
Empowering people and communities to
achieve financial well-being by
championing the credit union philosophy
of 'people helping people'.
Register for Benefit Night in September!
ICUF Benefit Night will be held September 16 in Dubuque, Iowa. Attend in-person, or join us virtually! In-person attendees will enjoy a delicious meal and live entertainment, and the event will feature the annual ICUF Impact Awards, recognizing outstanding credit union leaders who are making a difference in their credit unions and communities. (Nominations available here.)

There are many different ways to support the Foundation through Benefit Night:
 
  • Attend the Event: This year there are two attendance options for Benefit Night: in-person and virtual. Choose to join us in person for a traditional event, or join us virtually to see the Foundation programming and partake in auction activities. We encourage those participating virtually to donate to ICUF. Register to attend the event here.
  • Sponsor the Event: Benefit Night would not be possible without the generous donations of our supporters. Please consider becoming an event sponsor.
  • Make a Donation: Can't attend the event, but still want to support ICUF's mission? Make an online donation here.
Donate an Item to the ICUF Benefit Night Auction
Each year, ICUF hosts an auction during the annual Benefit Night Fundraiser. Our auction would not be a success without your support! 

This year, the auction will be held on a virtual platform beginning the opening day of the Iowa Credit Union Convention on September 15, and closing at the conclusion of the Benefit Night Fundraiser on September 16. 

If you'd like to donate a auction item, please complete this form and send it back to ICUF via email with a high-quality photo(s) for the auction website. Auction submissions are due by August 20.

Alternatively, you may elect to donate an auction item during Benefit Night registration, and an ICUF representative will reach out to you.
Use MAP to Increase Member Financial Health
Financial Health support as a business strategy is a critical path to maintaining the stability of individuals and businesses - the credit union members our industry serves.

The Financial Health Network has developed a model, the FinHealth Maturity Assessment Program (MAP), to help make financial health business strategies more understandable, practical, actionable and sustainable. Click here to learn more.
Changes to Child Tax Credit Will Impact Families
The IRS has started sending out letters to families who may qualify for the child tax credit. As part of the American Rescue Plan Act, those who qualify for the child tax credit are now automatically enrolled by the IRS to receive advance payments. Encourage members to reach out to their tax advisor for further information or questions.

Click here for more information and to access the eligibility portal. 2020 or 2019 tax returns are recommended to help fill out the portal questions. Families may still be able to benefit from the credit even if they aren't working now or weren't working last year.
FHA Takes Steps to Remove Homeownership Barriers
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The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is taking steps to remove barriers to homeownership for people with student loan debt. These actions will provide more access to affordable single family FHA-insured mortgage financing for creditworthy individuals with student loan debt - which currently has a disproportionate impact on people of color.

Lenders may implement policy changes immediately. Learn more here.
National Equity Atlas Offers Insight to Racial and Economic Equity
The National Equity Atlas is America's most detailed report card on racial and economic equity. The organization shares actionable data and strategies to help take steps ensuring that all people can participate, prosper and reach their full potential.

Resources include the Racial Equity Index, Iowa equity data, inclusive prosperity indicators and more. Use National Equity Atlas resources to consider steps your credit union could take to address inequities and inform philanthropic investments.
Executive Director Jaimie Miller Announced as Iowa Council of Foundations Chair
The Iowa Council of Foundations (ICoF) recently announced it's 2021-2022 officers and board of directors. ICUF Executive Director Jaimie Miller will serve as Chair of the board.

ICoF is a statewide membership association serving grantmakers who provide funding support to charitable projects and programs in Iowa. Learn more here.
Read > Watch > Listen > Engage
Thank you to our donors!
Thank you to recent donor, Storey Kenworthy, who made contributions to support ICUF's mission-based initiatives this month.
For questions regarding any information in the newsletter, please contact Ena Babic Barnes at 515.221.3002.
ICUF was established in 1995. Our mission is to empower people and communities to achieve financial well-being by championing the credit union philosophy of "people helping people."