March 2021
Empowering people and communities to
achieve financial well-being by
championing the credit union philosophy
of 'people helping people'.
2021 "People Helping People" Financial Coach Training Program Registration Open
We are excited to announce that registration is open for the 2021 "People Helping People" Financial Coach Training Program. ICUF has again partnered with Adam Carroll, founder of National Financial Educators, to prepare a financial coach program that will train credit union employees to become coaches for members. The training program is structured to provide participants the training and tools needed to assist members through financial coaching relationships. This year's program is sponsored by CUNA Mutual Group and will be held virtually throughout May.

Participants in the program will receive hands on training, takeaway materials and access to an exclusive online resource to aid in ongoing financial coaching conversations at their credit union.

Visit the registration site to view the virtual training dates.
Register for the June 9 ICUF Golf Classic
Join us on Wednesday, June 9 at Brown Deer Golf Club in Coralville, Iowa for the 2021 ICUF Golf Classic! This best-shot golf outing is a fantastic way to support ICUF, network and re-connect with other credit union leaders throughout the state.

All proceeds benefit our mission to empower people and communities to achieve financial well-being by championing the credit union philosophy of "people helping people".
ICUF and Iowa Student Loan Partner for Webinar
ICUF is partnering with Iowa Student Loan® to host a webinar, “New Student Loan Resources”, on April 14 at 10:00 a.m.

The webinar will be an opportunity to hear about new resources and tools that can help your members become better prepared for their (or their children's) postsecondary plans.

Shelly Brimeyer, Program Administrator and Communications Specialist from the Iowa Student Loan, will present Iowa Student Loan’s Student Planning Pointers for Parents - SP3 email service, scholarship programs, college planning tools, and other supplement loan programs. The SP3 Program is an email service where career and college advice can be received long before children graduate from high school.
Get Involved with Money Smart Month in April
Are you ready for Money Smart Month in April? It's a great opportunity to engage with you membership and educate on the benefits of savings, good monetary habits and more!

Follow along on ICUF's Facebook page throughout April to find content to share with your members, and resources for being 'money smart'.

If you have Money Smart Month plans, be sure to share them on social media!
Tax Assistance Program Available for Limited-English Speaking Taxpayers
The VITA Program 2021 is a program sponsored by Lutheran Services in Iowa and the Iowa Center, focusing on serving limited-English speaking taxpayers and/or taxpayers who are immigrants or former refugees. Families can use this service to claim their Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credits.

Interpretation will be provided. To learn more about the program, click here.
CDFI Certification Applications Due April 3
The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund promotes economic revitalization for low-wealth individuals and communities. 

Here are some upcoming CDFI deadlines to note:
  • ​​​​​Low Income Designated credit unions wanting to become CDFI certified must apply by April 3, 2021. 
  • Rapid Response Program (RRP) deadlines
  • Financial Assistance/Technical Assistance Grant deadlines

Click here to learn about these deadlines, and available resources from CUNA Mutual Group and Inclusiv.
Collins Community Credit Union's Stefanie Rupert Authors Article in Support of Legislative Priorities
Collins Community Credit Union CEO Stefanie Rupert recently authored an article in The Gazette highlighting community challenges like "access to child care and affordable housing, along with the need for a financial safety net".

Click here to read the full article, where she explains the benefits of increasing funding to the State Housing Trust Fund and a prize-linked savings (PLS) program in Iowa.

ICUF supports affordable housing and PLS legislation. To learn more about ICUF's advocacy initiatives, email info@iowacreditunionfoundation.org.
Read > Watch > Listen > Engage
Featured Community Impact Stories
Thank you to our donors!
Thank you to our recent donors, who made contributions to support ICUF's mission-based initiatives.
  • Ascentra Credit Union
  • 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."