October 2021
Empowering people and communities to
achieve financial well-being by
championing the credit union philosophy
of 'people helping people'.
Small Credit Union Grants Available
The 2021 Small Credit Union Grant application process is now open. The small credit union grant is made possible thanks to donor support from Veridian Credit Union.

Credit unions at or under $50 million in assets qualify for this grant. Credit unions may apply for grants in these categories:
  • New credit union technology improvements (including expenses related to COVID-19 and PPE equipment)
  • Strategic planning and consultation services (including DEI related consultation or training services)
  • Covering cost to participate in a paid training or education event offered by ICUL

To apply for this grant, download and complete this application. Finished applications may be emailed to info@iowacreditunionfoundation.org. The deadline to submit applications for this grant is November 19 at 5:00 p.m.
NCUF Launches $100K Grant for Small Credit Unions to Support Diversity & Financial Health
The National Credit Union Foundation has announced a $100,000 grant to help smaller credit unions analyze membership demographics and better understand the roles culture, race and ethnicity play in financial well-being.

The grant will be split among multiple credit union recipients, giving them access to products provided by Attune and Coopera, two organizations leading the charge for multicultural inclusion and financial health.

Credit unions composed of 10 or more employees with assets between $100 million and $600 million are eligible to apply for the grant. Full grant and application information is available here. 
Budgeting Notebooks available for Pre-Order!
Take your credit union's financial coaching program to the next level with budgeting notebooks from ICUF! Helping members to learn healthy money habits can go a step further with the use of a budgeting notebook. All proceeds from these sales will benefit ICUF's programs that support financial well-being for Iowans.

Credit unions can pre-order budgeting notebooks now through October 29 by clicking here. Notebooks are $25 each; discounts will apply to bulk orders.
Financial Health Network Hosting EMERGE Insights
The Financial Health Network is hosting a virtual event, EMERGE Insights, on November 3 to dive into how Americans are faring financially and how current trends will shape the future financial health landscape.

EMERGE Insights is for those who are committed to improving financial health, including policymakers, business leaders, banks and credit unions, fintechs, nonprofits, researchers, and employers. Click here to learn more and register.

The Financial Health Network has also recently released the Financial Health Pulse: 2021 U.S. Trends Report. Read it to discover how Americans' financial health outcomes have changes as COVID-19 continued to create unprecedented disruptions.
Empathy is the Most Important Leadership Skill, According to Research
It's common knowledge that demonstrating empathy is positive for people, but new research demonstrates its importance for everything from innovation to retention.

Read this article to learn about the effects of stress, how empathy contributes to positive outcomes, and how to lead with empathy. The dots are easy to connect - leading with empathy can only better relationships with members and your credit union peers.
Financial Well-Being for All is Credit Unions' Aligning Mission
Gigi Hyland, Executive Director of the National Credit Union Foundation, recently authored an article titled, "Financial Well-Being for All: A Rallying Cry for Credit Unions".

The article shares three recurring themes she has heard from across the credit union movement about improving the financial lives of those credit unions serve:
  • You can't tackle what you don't understand
  • Measurement is vital
  • Financial well-being for all is intrinsically linked to diversity, equity and inclusion
2021 Herb Wegner Memorial Award Recipients Announced
The Herb Wegner Memorial Awards serve as one of the largest recognitions of philanthropy within the credit union movement.

Lucy Ito, President & CEO of NASCUS (VA), and Roger Heacock, retired President & CEO of Black Hills Federal Credit Union (SD), will receive the Outstanding Individual Achievement award, and Faith Based Credit Union Alliance (IL) will receive the Outstanding Organization award. Georgia-based African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) will receive the Foundation’s Anchor Award.

Read the full announcement here.
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Thank you to our donors!
Thank you to our recent donors, who made contributions to support ICUF's mission-based initiatives.
  • Storey Kenworthy
  • Matthew De Bisschop
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."