LANSING, Mich.–Approximately $385,000 in relief grants by two credit union-related organizations have been made to CU employees and members of Northern Michigan who were hit hard by a March ice storm.
The two separate relief efforts were led by the Michigan Credit Union Foundation (MCUF) and by CUAid, the National Credit Union Foundation’s (NCUF)’s disaster relief program.
According to the organizations, the MCUF Ice Storm Relief Fund provided $500 emergency grants to credit union members who experienced financial hardship due to storm-related damage. A total of $87,000 was raised from 27 credit unions, three chapters, two partner organizations and individual donors across Michigan. The contributions funded 174 grants for members served by eight credit unions across 12 disaster-declared counties, according to the league.
More Than 800 Applications
In total, MCUF received 836 applications, with funding distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to members who demonstrated storm-related hardship affecting their primary residence, the foundation said.
“We were overwhelmed by the number of applications, and even more so by the stories behind them,” MCUF Executive Director Andrea Tucker said in a statement. “This storm created a real and lasting impact for so many Michigan families and credit union professionals, and the funds we raised provided more than just financial relief; they reminded people that they’re not alone in times of crisis.”
Support from CU Aid
Meanwhile, CUAid provided support grants for the credit union professionals and volunteers who were personally impacted. CUAid distributed $270,789 in grant funding to help offset storm-related expenses such as cleanup, repairs and displacement, according to the foundation.
A total of 227 employees and volunteers from nine credit unions applied for assistance, collectively reporting more than $542,000 in out-of-pocket costs.
“I’m incredibly proud of how Michigan’s credit unions stepped up in this moment,” MCUL President/CEO Patty Corkery said in a statement. “The generosity, responsiveness and compassion we saw are a powerful reflection of what sets the credit union movement apart. Thank you to everyone who made this support possible for members, employees and volunteers affected by the storm.”
