Growth, Governance & Services

The Foundation Board has approved extended funding for the Growth, Governance & Services (GGaS) program.  The $58,000 grant continues the MD & DC Credit Union Association's (MDDCCUA) efforts to work with small credit unions.  The program's initial funding was provided by the Foundation in 2007.  Total Foundation commitment to this effort now totals $98,000.

Under the revised two-year GGaS program, MDDCCUA will provide CUNA membership surveys, counseling, and training for the staff and leadership of ten select Maryland and D.C.-based credit unions with assets of $20 million or less. 

"The objective of GGaS II is to identify, implement and correct specific challenges faced by 10 small credit unions based on individualized project plans," according to MDDCCUA's grant application.  The application states, "The goal of GGaS II is to document improvement within each individual credit union's".

Credit unions interested in participating in the program are asked to contact MDDCCUA's VP for Credit Union Development, Martha Ninichuk at (410) 290-6858.

REAL Solutions Funding Approved for Third Year

With continued funding pledged by the Credit Union Foundation of MD & DC, the REAL Solutions Program offered by the Maryland and District of Columbia Credit Union Association will continue and in 2008 and 2009 the offering will be directed to ten select credit union participants.

REAL Solutions is an educational and sharing program specifically designed to help credit unions provide appropriate services for their low-wealth members.  Monthly programs sponsored by the Association and funded by the Foundation deal with topics such as "Saving Innovations",  "The Credit Solution", and "Transaction Services". 

In its first year of operation, also funded through a Credit Union Foundation of MD & DC grant, the program was restricted to twelve select credit unions.  That start-up was coordinated by the Filene Research Institute.  With operations fully assumed by the Association in 2008, the programs was expanded and made available for all credit union staff to attend, and attendees could pick and choose which programs were of the greatest interest to them.

In 2008, the Association has chosen to focus the REAL Solutions efforts on ten select credit unions to be determined by the Association.

To date, the Foundation has invested $43,000 in the REAL Solutions program.

Faith-Based Initiative Funded

The Foundation has agreed to provide a $13,000 one-year grant to the Maryland and District of Columbia Credit Union Association to launch a Faith-Based Initiative program. 

Under the terms of the grant, MDDCCUA will select ten faith-based credit unions in Maryland and D.C.  The Association will then "...assist credit unions to identify their niche market, identify how best to serve niche market through relevant products/services, and address volunteer issues such as lack of fortitude, experience in governing, managing and operating a credit union," according to the Association's grant application. 

Credit unions interested in participating in the program are asked to contact MDDCCUA's VP for Credit Union Development, Martha Ninichuk at (410) 290-6858.