This Thanksgiving, and during the holidays, the New York Credit Union Association is reminding individuals and institutions about the importance of membership in the New York Credit Union Foundation, particularly as many continue to face challenges during the pandemic.

The charitable arm of the New York credit union movement serves individuals, credit unions, schools and community organizations that help improve the financial independence of New Yorkers and promote the credit union difference. During the pandemic, the Foundation has provided grants to credit unions for the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness software, as previously reported.

Credit unions that support the Foundation through annual membership are helping to improve their communities and empowering people of all ages to become financially independent.

Credit union membership in the Foundation helps fund the organization’s various grant programs, including:

• Disaster Relief Grants, which are awarded to credit unions, employees, volunteers and members who have been impacted by unforeseen disasters;
• Professional Development Grants, which enable credit union employees and volunteers to participate in education and training programs offered by the Association;
• Smart Money Grants, which fund credit unions’ efforts to reach emerging and underrepresented markets, including youth, older Americans, immigrant populations and people of low or modest means; and
• Small Credit Union Grants, which help credit unions with up to $100 million in assets fund initiatives to improve member service.

By providing grants and other financial aid, the Foundation helps credit unions teach critical financial skills to adults, youth and children; enhance member service with new technologies and initiatives; provide staff and volunteers with training opportunities; and distribute relief funds to those impacted by natural disasters.

Credit union support of the Foundation helps to make the Foundation’s mission possible. Each grant the Foundation provides helps strengthen the entire New York credit union community. By supporting the Foundation, credit unions are doing much more than donating to a charity—they are investing in credit unions, their members and the powerful legacy of “people helping people.”

To learn more or become a Foundation member, visit the Foundation’s website.