Grants

In 2010, NYCUF dispersed $43,126 in grant funding to New York credit unions and community organizations through the following grantmaking programs:

Professional Development Grants: NYCUF provided 56 Professional Development Grants totaling $28,626 to employees and volunteers of 37 credit unions for education and training programs offered by the Credit Union Association of New York and other industry-related organizations:

          Recipients Included:      

• Financial Fitness Grants: NYCUF provided six credit unions with Financial Fitness Grants to fund general operating needs that will ultimately help improve member service. A total of $8,500 was awarded.
  Recipients included:

• Gates Chili FCU, for an online banking system and bill payment feature;

• Lower East Side People’s FCU, for testing the security of its online banking, website and network systems to protect member data and provide secure online transactions, and for adding an audio on-hold system to the current phone system to enhance communication with the members;

• Morse Chain Ithaca EFCU, for the permanent and temporary storage of records into safekeeping;

• St. John’s Buffalo FCU, for the upgrade of the credit union’s security system;

• UHS FCU, for the purchase, installation and staff training of Virtual Item Processing (VIP) equipment at its branch office; and

• Williamsville FCU, for facility improvements, including a new furnace, security camera and upgrades to the customer counter and lobby to increase safety and convenience for credit union members and staff.

• Smart Money Grants: NYCUF provided three New York credit unions with Smart Money Grants to help fund programs and services that promote financial literacy and independence. A total of $4,000 was awarded.
  Recipients included:

  
  • Buffalo Metropolitan FCU, for reevaluating, modifying and sharing the credit union’s Banking Day Program;

  
  • Bethex FCU, for the operation of a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site for the 2011 tax season; and

  
  • New York University FCU, for the provision of financial education seminars to incoming students.

• Organizational Grants: NYCUF provided four Organizational Grants totaling $2,000.

           Recipients included the East River Development Alliance in New York City.

Professional Development Grants fund education and training for credit union employees and volunteers. Financial Fitness Grants fund credit union operational support to enhance member services. Smart Money Grants fund programs that provide credit union members and consumers with financial education or access to financial services. Organizational Grants support organizations that advance financial literacy and/or promote access to financial services.