Grant money at work: credit unions tap funds for financial ed

Credit unions that apply for REAL Solutions® Initiative Grants from the Wisconsin Credit Union Foundation can make big strides in financial education with a little financial assistance. Case in point, last year’s grant recipients:

La Crosse Area Postal CU used workshops, brochures, phone calls and other means to educate members on debit cards and debit card fraud, internet banking, mortgages and insurance. The credit union also deployed a youth survey and plan to launch a young adult newsletter with information specifically for them. The funding is also helping the credit union provide financial information through its website, Facebook, an improved newsletter and a postcard series.

Superior Choice CU partnered with debt counselors at a local nonprofit agency to enroll 53 members in their Great Debt Pay Down program – similar to a savings challenge—in which enrollees are encouraged to become debt-free and savings-rich. Participants’ average credit score is 685 with $23,508 in average outstanding debt. So far, they’ve offered participants seminars on basic budgeting and identity theft. A webpage and blog are being developed. A grand prize is being offered to the participant with the most improved financial position.

What is your credit union working on to improve financial literacy among members and within the community? Apply by July 1.