When disasters or emergencies affect ICUL-affiliated credit unions, the Illinois Credit Union Foundation provides financial assistance to staff and volunteers for essential needs like food, shelter, and transportation, helping them safely return to serving members. For widespread events, the Foundation partners with the National Credit Union Foundation’s CU Aid program. If your credit union is impacted, please contact the ICU Foundation for assistance applications.
For program guidelines, “disaster” includes natural events like hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, and other weather disturbances, as well as man-made disasters such as fires and acts of terrorism. It excludes economic disasters and health events such as accidents, epidemics, or pandemics. Event must qualify for FEMA disaster assistance. Foundation board can make exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
Purpose:
Assistance for urgent disaster-related expenses (up to $1,000)
Timing:
• Available year-round, up to 60 days post-disaster
Eligibility:
• Credit union staff and volunteers for Illinois Credit Union League Affiliates, employed or serving at time of disaster and during the disaster assistance process
• One disaster assistance gift per affected household
Employee/Volunteer Required Documentation:
• Detailed estimate of damages
• Photos of loss/damage
• Invoices or receipts for incurred expenses
CU CEO Support Requirement:
• All disaster assistance requests will be shared with and require support from the credit union CEO or designee (e.g. branch manager, HR representative, etc.)
ICUF Funding Request Review and Communication to Applicant:
• ICU Foundation will notify applicants within 2 weeks of receipt of funding request (may vary during widespread disasters)
ICU Foundation will disburse funds via ACH to recipient’s financial institution account upon receipt of ACH authorization form if funding is approved
Apply for AssistanceFunds awarded through this program are a gift from the Illinois Credit Union Foundation. If the event is associated with an IRS qualified disaster, including a Presidentially declared disaster, the funds may be considered a qualified disaster relief payment for taxation purposes. ICUF does not offer legal or tax advice. Recipients should consult with your attorney, accountant, or other qualified tax professional concerning the tax implications of this gift.
Disaster funds assist with the following:
• Structural damage to primary residence
• Damage to inoperable primary vehicle
• Lodging for mandatory evacuation or displacement
• Grocery staple items
• Insurance deductibles
Disaster funds do not assist with the following:
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all excluded items.
• Personal property loss (i.e. furniture, appliances, tools, lawn equipment, boats, ATVs, etc.)
• Shed, Fence, Barn, Gazebo, Detached Garage, Pool, Spa, Playground
• Landscaping/Trees (unless tree is impeding ability to get vehicle out of property to get to work or if tree is on home or primary vehicle)
• Business or second homes
• Lost wages or lifestyle expenses
• Fast food or restaurant expenses
• Childcare or care for displaced extended family or friends
• Transportation for evacuation or alternate routes to work
• Disaster preparedness and cleanup expense
• Medical, dental, and funeral expenses related to the disaster, including lost prescription medications, or personal liability for accidents occurring in your home
This program is designed as a hand up, not a handout, and is not intended to make individuals “whole.”
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