Grant Applications Open for Emergency Relief Fund
POSTED on April 1, 2020 IN ICUF
$50,000 Already Granted to State-Wide Organizations
DES MOINES – Applications are now open for Iowans and small businesses financially impacted by COVID-19 to apply for charitable grants from the Iowa Credit Union Foundation (ICUF) Emergency Relief Fund. The fund has already approved $25,000 grants to United Ways of Iowa for the 211 system and the Iowa Community Action Association (ICAA) to support their work to help Iowans in need.
“In addition to opening the application process for Iowans, we felt it was critical to get support to organizations on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Jaimie Miller, Executive Director of ICUF. “It is heartwarming to see donations continue to come in for the fund that will enable us to do even more to help Iowans financially struggling during this time.”
The Emergency Relief Fund was created to assist Iowans in need due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused a major disruption to the economy, the income of many Iowans and the health of small businesses across the state.
A $25,000 grant was awarded to the United Ways of Iowa 211 system, which is a free, comprehensive information and referral system linking Iowa residents to health and human service programs, community services, disaster services and governmental programs. 211 is a one-stop source of information for people looking for services.
“The Iowa 211 system has seen an unprecedented increase in call volume due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Deann Cook, Executive Director of United Ways of Iowa. “We greatly appreciate the support from the Foundation to add capacity to 211 so all Iowans have access to the information they need.”
An additional $25,000 grant was awarded this week to ICAA, an organization that offers a wide range of services that are at the forefront of innovative strategies to empower low-income citizens to become self-sufficient and full participants in their communities.
“On behalf of the 17 local Community Action Agencies in Iowa, we are so grateful for the financial support from the Iowa Credit Union Foundation,” said Lana Shope, Executive Director of ICAA. “These funds will be used to support people trying to meet their most basic needs during this health pandemic.”
Iowans and small businesses are now able to apply for grant assistance at www.iowacreditunionfoundation.org/emergency-relief-fund. The fund currently has nearly $550,000 in commitments, which continue to grow daily. Recent donations include:
- Members1st Community Credit Union - $10,000
- CUNA Mutual Group - $10,000
- Shazam - $10,000
- Financial Plus Credit Union - $5,000
- Alliant Credit Union - $5,000
- National Cooperative Bank - $2,500
- Midwest Community Credit Union - $500
- NW Iowa Credit Union - $500
- Personal Contributions - $2,800
For a complete list of donors or if interested in donating, visit www.iowacreditunionfoundation.org/emergency-relief-fund. All gifts made through this donation portal will be used for Emergency Relief efforts in response to COVID-19. Should any dollars remain in this fund following the COVID-19 response efforts, they will be used for future disaster relief efforts for Iowans in need. Gifts of all sizes are welcome.
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Founded in 1995 as the philanthropic arm of the Iowa Credit Union League, the Iowa Credit Union Foundation's (ICUF) primary focus is to eliminate poverty in the state of Iowa. ICUF seeks to carry out its mission to empower people and communities to achieve financial well-being through its various programs, grants and scholarships. For more information, visit www.IowaCreditUnionFoundation.org.