Technical Assistance Initiatives

Dear Board of Directors:

I am pleased to announce the 2011 Community Development Revolving Loan Fund (CDRLF) Technical Assistance Initiatives. The CDRLF was established by Congress to support low-income designated credit unions serving low-income communities by providing loans and technical assistance to qualifying institutions. These initiatives provide credit unions with necessary resources to improve the quality and quantity of financial services to their members.

Generally, the initiatives remain the same as in the past; however, I would like to emphasize the Financial Education and Financial Literacy in Schools Initiative. The goal of this initiative is to improve financial literacy among the general population, with a special focus on students. Credit unions can apply for assistance under this initiative to obtain reimbursement for collaborative functions with schools, community organizations, and other financial institutions to broaden the delivery of financial literacy and financial education training.  

The Urgent Needs Initiative continues to be available at all times during the year. The maximum allocation was increased to $7,500 to cover more expenses incurred due to natural disasters or unexpected events.  

I strongly encourage all low-income designated credit unions to consider the advantages of CDRLF programs and apply for technical assistance. If your credit union is not low-income designated, please review the criteria outlined in Part 701.34 of the NCUA Rules and Regulations. State-chartered credit unions must have the equivalent low-income designation from the respective state supervisory authority and concurrence from NCUA.

Further information is available from your regional office, the Office of Small Credit Union Initiatives, and on NCUA’s website at www.ncua.gov.