WASHINGTON – The National Credit Union Foundation is takingapplications for its next round of grant making through June 30 andhas made grant applications and resources available online. Grantapplicants must seek to use the grant money to fulfill thefoundation's mission to “promote and improve consumer financialindependence through credit unions” by helping to provide access toaffordable financial services – low-cost loans, check-cashing andother needed services for underserved consumers withlow-to-moderate incomes. Grantees can also use the money to furtherfinancial education by building programs that help members andpotential members achieve financial literacy or furthering savingsand asset building, developing savings plans, homeownershipprograms and other asset-building products. Materials which canadvise credit unions about applying for grants and even provide agrant application tutorial are available online as well, the NCUFsaid. The NCUF didn't reveal how much money would be available forgrants since that figure depends somewhat on the performance ofinvestments in the central liquidity fund. Once credit unions applyfor the funds, the applications will be scored and move through anevaluation and comment process. This new application and evaluationprocess marks the Foundation's transition from three shorter grantcycles to one extended grant cycle. “Moving to an annual grantcycle affords more time between the grant applications and finaldecisions,” notes NCUF Executive Director Steve Delfin. “Thisempowers applicants with opportunities to gain feedback and answerquestions from the grant reviewers during the evaluation process.We believe the end result will be more well-rounded applicationsand more high-impact grants.” Delfin also has authority to approvediscretionary grants up to $25,000 at any time throughout the year.“And of course, the Foundation will always remain flexible andresponsive to immediate unanticipated needs within the credit unionmovement.”