Emergency Loans, Special Offers, Employee Bonuses & More

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.–The record surge of more than three-million unemployment claims this week will likely only put more pressure on credit unions to respond with the types of special offers and assistance CUToday.info has compiled here. Those offers include everything from one-cent overdrafts to waived fees to special branch hours for older members and a wide variety of other “emergency” loans. 

Here are just some of what credit unions across the country have been doing to provide relief to members and to help their communities, as compiled by CUToday.info. CUToday.info continues to collect examples of credit union assistance during the coronavirus pandemic. If what your credit union is doing is not shown here, please send your information to Frank J. Diekmann at Frank@CUToday.info.Note: the list below does not include changes to branch hours or other operational changes.

• • US Eagle FCU is waiving most of its fees from March through the end of May. It is also staffing up its call centers, offering gap loans including, and members can also defer up to three full months of loan payments. US Eagle is also offering the Eagle Relief Loan, increasing Courtesy Pay protection, and waiving many fees for three full months, including consumer and business checking account fees, and late credit card and loan payment fees.  Members can also defer up to three full months of loan payments.
  • In Bellingham, Wash., WECU is offering a “Crisis Relief Loan” option priced at 3.9% APR with terms to 24 months, no payments for 90 days, and loan amounts to $5,000. 
  • Redwood Credit Union in Santa Rosa, Calif. is distributing some $800,000 across 45 nonprofit organizations in Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, San Francisco, and Sonoma counties in California.   The credit union said the grants will serve the most pressing needs of vulnerable populations in one or more of RCU’s core funding priority areas. In addition to the grants, RCU said it is also honoring dozens of sponsorship commitments for fundraising events that have been cancelled due to the need for social distancing. 
  • In Lake Mary, Fla., Addition Financial CU has launched a weekly blog series called “On the + Side,” developed to help keep members in good spirits during this time of uncertainty. The first in the series can be found here. Addition Financial is also offering additional resources here www.additionfi.com/coronavirus.

Wauna Credit Union

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• Rio Grande CU has increased mobile, ATM and debit limits on transactions, as well as lowered fees, created a 0%, 90-day no payment Emergency Relief Loan, is providing loan extensions and offering financial coaching. 
• First Financial: FFCU is rolling out a skip-a-pay program for two months with no fee for all members, and also waiving late fees, a short-term emergency loan up to $3,000 at 5% with no payments for 45 days, and a 12-month term with no collateral. 
• Northern New Mexico School Employees CU, which serves school employees who have been told not to work for two weeks, are allowed to use their last paystub for qualifying for a loan request, and there is a coronavirus Skip A Pay for members who indicate they are having a hardship.
• Everyone’s FCU in New Mexico is providing free skips/extensions of up to 90 days for those that have had hours and salary cut and are not able to make payments, as well as two Emergency Loan Programs, one for individuals and one for business accounts. 
• Sandia Laboratory FCU is offering skip payments on auto loans, signature loans, CreditLine, or signature-secured loans, as well as a  “relief loan” of up to one month’s net pay.
• Nusenda Credit Union has waived fees for using non-CU Anytime ATMs (ATM providers may still charge a fee), skip-a-payment for credit cards, as well as payment deferrals on auto, personal, and equity loans – contact us for payment relief and member Assistance Loans.
• Financial Security in Carlsbad, N.M. is offering loan extensions and is prepping a COVID-19 Relief Loan.
• Kirtland FCU is offering Courtesy Pay fee refunds, waiver of share certificate early withdrawal penalties, skip-a-payment on consumer and credit cards, and temporary credit card credit limit increases.
• Zia CU in Los Alamos has rolled out an emergency loan program that offers members a loan that is equal to two months of their net income.  Zia is delaying payments for 90 days and spreading repayment over 18 months at 4.25%. In the first two days, the loan helped 40 families and the calls are still coming in, the credit union said. 
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• In Santa Fe, N.M., Guadalupe CU is working to provide extensions for existing loans with GCU, as well as an emergency relief loan to help cover lost wages based upon the person’s regular wages and allows 60 days before the first payment.
• In Yakima, Wash., Solarity Credit Union has created a webpage on which it has published all of its resources related to the coronavirus. It includes details on its hardship loan structure and more, including a  breakdown on its mortgage closing process that complies with physical distancing requirements for the stay home order. The page can be found here.

• In Lansing, Mich., LAFCU said it is following recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including social distancing, no handshaking and encouraging everyone to regularly wash their hands for at least 20 seconds. Members have been given a phone number to call to make an appointment and have also been directed to use the CU’s chat option.
• In the Evergreen State, Washington State Employees Credit Union is among those offering emergency loans as well as free financial counseling for folks worried about paying their bills.
• In Massachusetts, Liberty Bay Credit Union has introduced an Emergency Loan Fund offering 12-month unsecured personal loans at up to $2,500 per applicant. The credit union is also offering the option of making their first payment up to 60 days after closing, allowing additional relief for those who need it, the credit union reported. The loans are priced below its traditional unsecured personal loans. 
• In Honolulu, University of Hawai`i Federal Credit Unionsaid it is offering support to those who have been affected, including temporary relief on existing mortgages, with a no-fee, home loan deferment program, in addition to other relief measures for its members.  Under this program, UHFCU members may defer making mortgage payments for up to 90 days.  For info on UHFCU’s programs, go to UHFCU.com/coronavirus.
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• In Gainesville, Fla., SunState FCU said it is encouraging “members experiencing, or expecting to experience, financial hardships in the next few weeks to get in touch with us now; the sooner the better! We want to help you work through this time of uncertainty. We are currently implementing programs to help provide some relief in regard to loan payments, late fees, etc. Additionally, we are implementing an emergency micro-loan policy to help members in need of immediate cash where pay checks have been temporarily suspended due to this coronavirus event.”
• In Capitola, Calif., Bay Federal Credit Union is offering financial assistance programs for members, including a skip-a-pay and deferment options on loans. 
• Ent Credit Union in Colorado Springs, Colo. has cut its overdraft/NSF fee to just a penny. “Until further notice, we are suspending or drastically reducing fees,” said Chad Graves, Ent CEO. “This includes eliminating fees for excessive transactions for savings and money market accounts, minimum account balances, Skip-A-Pay and credit card usage for loan payments. Our overdraft/non-sufficient funds fees are now just $0.01. And we are also waiving early CD withdrawal fees to help members access their money for immediate needs.” Ent is also offering members long- and short-term emergency loans of $1,500 to $10,000 with a 0.00% to 5.99% APR, while additionally offering emergency business loans, doubling its business line of credit limit (up to $50,000) and offering assistance programs to corporate banking members. 
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• In Anaheim, Calif., Credit Union of Southern California (CU SoCal) is giving every employee $1,000. The benefit extends to all employees regardless of length of employment and includes temporary workers, CU SoCal said. In addition, CUSoCal announced it would provide 80 hours of paid sick leave for employees dealing with coronavirus, and will further allow employees to go negative up to 80 hours in personal time off (PTO) after exhausting their PTO balance. Meanwhile, members have the option of skipping payments on all consumer loans for 60 days (interest will continue to accrue); eligible members from its Preferred Partner employer groups are pre-qualified for a $1,500 loan with a 9.99% APR and can defer payments for 90 days—with just a signature and no credit check; member households may apply for an emergency loan of up to $10,000 per household at a fixed rate of 3.25% APR for a term of up to five years, and the option of deferring payment for 90 days. CU SoCal said its employees are also making outbound calls to its senior citizen members for wellness checks and to help them obtain groceries and other household essentials.
• In Westbury, N.Y., Nassau Financial FCU has launched an Emergency Assistance Program to assist members, including the opportunity to skip personal loan or auto loan payments up to 90 days, withdraw funds from certificate accounts without penalty, or apply for a personal loan up to $5,000 with payments deferred up to 90 days,” the credit union said.
• In Arlington, Va., NAFCU said it is working to facilitate a network of connect credit unions to connect those that have a surplus of cleaning and sanitizing products with those seeking such products.  Credit unions who have excess products that could be shared – or have recommendations for suppliers – are encouraged to reach out to NAFCU. In addition, NAFCU has a webpage dedicated to coronavirus resources. 
• In Washington, US Senate FCU is offering a hardship loan that requires no documentation. The loan is open to anyone who would like to apply. There is a balloon payment at the end of 90 days.” Members may also select “skip-a-pay” from the CU’s online banking platform, but must call-in and request a refund of the fee. USFCU is also waiving early withdrawal penalties on regular certificates of deposit. Loan extensions are being granted. Real estate loan modifications, “when economics make sense,” are being done, while it is further waiving late fees, NSF fees and ATM fees.
• Five Star Credit Union in Catsonville, Md. said it has encouraged its lending and collections personnel to actively listen for members who have been financially impacted by the pandemic. It is offering no-cost skip-a-payments, waiver of fees, and rewrites of loans with new more flexible or affordable terms. 
• In Oklahoma, Tinker FCU said it is opening its offices exclusively for appointments by members 60 and older from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. each morning.
• F&A FCU in California said in an announcement on LinkedIn it has funded 115 emergency loans for members for a total of $544,000. The loans carry a 0% APR. The credit union also offers a skip-a-pay option. In addition, the CU said employees below the VP level have received an additional week’s PTO to use or cash out for emergencies.
• In St. Louis, Electro Savings Credit Union has launched a Comm(unity) Relief Program, including a loan that offers qualified borrowers relief from making their first payment for 12-months and a 0% APR on consolidated credit card debt for six months. In addition, Electro is offering payment deferment options, and credit limit increases for credit union members who currently have Electro loans.  Each member is encouraged to contact the credit union to discuss their unique situation.
• CBC FCU in California is offering  skip-a-pay options, fee waivers, short-term emergency loans with a 5% interest rate and hardship assistance.
• Gesa Credit Union in Washington State is  offering low or 0% rate personal loans to members facing financial hardship because of the coronavirus.
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• ORNL FCU in Tennessee has created a Pandemic State of Emergency Assistance Loan Program, allowing impacted members to apply for an unsecured loan at 0% interest for the first six months and 3% fixed interest for the remainder of the term.
• Navy Federal in Virginia is waiving fees for Western Union and early CD withdrawals.
• In Sayreville, N.J., the $5-million Parlin DuPont Employees FCU created a video for its social media channels assuring members of their commitment to them during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as offering reminders of how to stay healthy and prevent the spread, the CrossState Credit Union Association reported. In a cue card-style video, Parlin DuPont Employees FCU CEO Christina Olender holds up instructions and tips for social distancing. She also reminds members of the various options the credit union offers including mobile banking, bill pay, and more.  Click here to watch the video. 
• In Williamsport, Penn., Horizon Federal Credit Union has implemented “Horizon Cares,” which allows members impacted by this pandemic to defer all loan payments up to 90 days, refinance existing loans with a 90-day payment deferment, waive ATM fees, and increase the limit on mobile deposit. As part of the program, Horizon said it has unveiled a new loan product that offers impacted members a loan equal to 1.5 times their net monthly income prior to reduction, at a low interest rate. Members will be required to repay only the interest for the first six months of the up-to-36-month loan. Horizon has also introduced additional program for small business owners whose businesses are suffering due to social distancing and the governor’s directive to shutdown non-essential businesses.Horizon said it is waiving its monthly business account fees through the end of the year. The credit union said in coordination with its business services partner, Newtek, it is offering attractive small business loans and cash rebates for businesses to acquire the equipment to accept debit and credit card payments.
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• The Golden 1 Credit Union in Sacramento is waiving late fees on existing loans and forbearance, as well as fees on using foreign ATMs. 
• In Panama City, Fla., Panhandle Educators FCU has created two videos showing its mascot, Hootie, showing how the credit union is making sure proper sanitation is taking place multiple times per day. The videos can be found hereand here.
• In New York, Visions FCU is offering a 0% APR Emergency Loan on amounts from $1,000-$5,000 and terms out to 12 months. Visions also announced a “We Care” three-month skip-a-pay program that allows eligible members to skip three consecutive consumer loan payments, penalty-free, with the program even allowing for some existing delinquencies.  In addition, it is offering a 90-day first payment deferral option on new and used auto loans. The deferral program is effective for all auto loans closed on or after March 23. 
• In Concord, N.H., New Hampshire FCU said it is offering Preventative/Emergency Loans to help members avoid high rate credit cards and payday lenders. Member may borrow from $500-$1,500 at  5% APR with no payments due for 90 days.  NHFCU is also offering skip-a-pay on consumer loans and Visa credit card accounts, and making available free financial wellness webinars online on a variety of topics are also available through the Centers for Finance & Education – including webinars for parents of at-home students to help with financial home schooling.” 
• In Oceanside, Calif., Frontwave Credit Union is offering several assistance programs, including financial assistance loans, loan extensions and skip-a-payment options on qualified loans. The credit union has also lowered its interest rates on all new and used vehicle loan applications with deferred payments for up to 90 days. “We recognize that the coronavirus outbreak is impacting many in our community, not just those who become ill, but also families whose children are out of school and workers who have been affected,” said Bill Birnie, president and CEO of Frontwave Credit Union. “We remain 100% committed to fighting for our members and helping them maintain financial health as we weather this national health crisis together.” 
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Other Credit Union Efforts Include

• In Burnsville, Minn., Firefly Credit Union said it is offering a range of solutions to help members manage through temporary or extended periods of reduced or lost income, including Loan Payment Relief, an Emergency Relief Loan, and financial counseling.
• In California, medical personnel at San Antonio Regional Hospital paused for a photo as a way of saying thanks to Credit Union of Southern California (CU SoCal) for donating 130 N-95 masks for their use.

Grants For Iowa CU Members

DUBUQUE, Iowa—To help credit union members financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Iowa Credit Union Foundation is providing $500 grants to eligible individuals and small business owners. The foundation’s new fund is supported by donations from the state’s credit unions, including Dupaco Community Credit Union. The foundation’s Emergency Relief Fund provides one-time, $500 grants to credit union members—individuals and small business owners—who are experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic. The grants are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are subject to availability. 

“We are proud to support the new Emergency Relief Fund during this time of need,” said Dupaco President and CEO Joe Hearn. “Iowa credit unions have a long history of providing a safety net to Iowans when they need it most, and we are honored to work together to maximize our impact.” 

According to the Foundation, eligible individuals must:

• Have experienced economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Be a current member of an Iowa credit union.
• Iowa credit union employees are also eligible.

Eligible small business members must: 

• Operate and own a small business that employs less than five people with an annual operating revenue below $250,000.
• Have experienced economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Be a current member of an Iowa credit union.

America’s Christian CU Offers Help, Auto Loans

In California, America’s Christian CU is encouraging members with an existing auto loan, including from another lender, to refinance it to restructure it in a way that makes sense for the member’s current budget.

“This may include lowering your interest rate (if possible), or re-amortizing the loan, so your monthly payment is reduced. Also, when you refinance auto loans or take out another form of a personal loan with ACCU, you have the option to defer your first payment up to 90-days,” the credit union said.

Details on the ACCU offer include:

• Rates as low as 1.99% APR for terms up to 36 months
• Rates as low as 2.49% APR for terms 37 months - 84 months 

• Up to 125% financing, including tax, license, and add-on coverage
• Additional GAP coverage and Mechanical Breakdown Insurance may be added to the loan, often at a lower cost than a dealer

What LSCU Member CUs Are Doing

In addition, the League of Southeastern Credit Unions has compiled a list of credit unions offering assistance, including:

• All In Credit Union, which has union has rolled out a Pandemic loan for existing members that need access to quick cash to cover rent payments, food, utilities. etc. 
• 121 Financial Credit Union, which isoffering a fee-free skip-a-payment to members who qualify and are experiencing a temporary loss or reduction of income due to the pandemic. A second skip-a-payment is allowed within a 12-month period for members affected by the pandemic. The credit unions will also allow up to 60-day deferment of loans, based on case-by-case approval, for members experiencing a temporary loss or reduction of income. Members may also qualify for an emergency loan to help with pandemic hardship. The loan will be for one month’s gross monthly salary up to $2,000 with a 24-month term and no payment for 90 day at a rate of 5% APR. 
• Envision Credit Union has enhanced its Skip-A-Pay Program by letting members automatically skip two months of loan payments starting April 2020. The offer applies to members with consumer loans as of March 31, 2020. The program will take place automatically — no need to reach out to the credit union. 
• Atlanta Postal Credit Union is allowing members to skip two consecutive payments on eligible consumer loans to help financial burdens caused by COVID-19. The credit union will waive processing fees and six-month loan life requirement, so members can request the extension even if the consumer loan is new. Existing APCU members who have been financially impacted by COVID-19 can also apply for a low-rate personal loan to help with budgeting concerns. 
• Delta Community Credit Union is offering member assistance that includes fee waivers, deferrals, payment holidays, and/or reduced payments on a case-by-case basis.
• Excel FCU has launched the EXCEL Cares loan to provide financial assistance during the pandemic. Members can use the loan to borrow up to $700 for 12 months at 12.99% APR. Members can apply online with ease. The credit union also recently distributed more than 110 care packages to members, containing paper towels, tissues, toilet paper and cleaning supplies. 
• Kinetic Credit Union is offering an Emergency Relief Loan available to current members with direct deposit or evidence of three consecutive payroll deposits who are out of work or temporarily furloughed amounting to up to two weeks net pay. The loan will be 0% APR for the first 60 days. After 60 days, the rate will be the same as the shared secured loan at that time, currently 4.10% APR. The term is up to 12 months. All members affected by the pandemic may also apply for a personal loan, take advantage of penalty-free withdrawals on qualified certificates or apply for extensions on current loans. 
• United Methodist Connectional Federal Credit Union said all April Visa payments will be deferred. The credit union is adding a special, no-fee Skip-a-Pay for non-real estate loans.

• In Tallahassee, Fla., First Commerce Credit Union  has announced an initiative it said is aimed at starting a wave of support for locally owned businesses in the communities it serves.

  

  Under the #LocalStrong initiative, First Commerce said it distributed more than $4,000 among more than 150 of its employees to spend with local businesses in over the weekend.

  “The launch of #LocalStrong seeks to support local businesses who are feeling the impact of closures related to COVID-19 and inspire a wave of support from other businesses and individuals,” the credit union said.

  $25 For Each Employee

  As part of #LocalStrong, First Commerce employees used the $25 deposited into each of their accounts to purchase goods, services, gift cards or gift certificates over the weekend from a locally owned business either online or over the phone to help them, their families, their neighbors, and others already feeling the impact of COVID-19.

  In observance of CDC guidelines for social distancing and current municipal orders, team members were told not to physically visit a business location to make their purchase, but were asked to do so online or over the phone with businesses such as restaurants, bakeries, cleaning services, lawn care, hardware stores, bookstores, hairdressers, pet sitting services, subscriptions to support community-based publications and journalists, and many others. 

  Team members also had the option of choosing to donate their purchase to an individual in need, or a local organization that serves vulnerable or at-risk populations. 

  In addition to the #LocalStrong initiative, First Commerce said it has also introduced local relief efforts for both consumer and business members, including providing automatic one-month loan deferrals on qualified First Commerce loans, quick emergency relief loans for current First Commerce members, and waiving fees on certain transactions.

  The FCCU Foundation is also offering free financial education to anyone through short interactive courses on a wide variety of financial topics on our website.S

• UMass 5 Offers Assistance 

  In Massachusetts, UMassFive is offering loan payment deferral for up to three months on all qualified consumer loans. Members can visit www.umassfive.coop/Emergency-Relief for info. In addition, UMassFive has temporarily lowered the rate of all new personal loans to 5.99% APR for amounts of $2,000 or less. 

• SECU Offers Mortgage, Other Assistance
• In Raleigh, N.C., State Employees CU continues to offer a Mortgage Assistance Program—a program it said it first implemented during the Great Recession in 2009 and which has helped 11,000 members “and counting.” Other programs, available for eligible SECU home, vehicle, credit card and unsecured personal loans, provide a variety of assistance options for members who have experienced a job loss, a reduction in hours or other income impairment and cannot make their loan payments on time, the credit union said. Options include payment extensions, partial payment plans, forbearance and refinancing of existing debt. 

• Two Relief Programs

  In Jacksonville, Fla., Jax Federal Credit Union has launched two relief programs for its members, including:

  • Emergency Relief 60-Day Extension on Consumer Loans: Qualified borrowers can request a 60-day extension on consumer loans, including mortgages, car loans and personal loans, by calling Jax Federal Credit Union’s contact center at 904-475-8000 or toll-free at 800-443-2664 during business hours. Business loans will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
  • 60-Day Skip-a-Payment Plan for JAXFCU Visa Credit Cards: All JAXFCU Visa credit cards in good standing will automatically be enrolled in a 60-day extension for payments due in April and May 2020. Members must suspend any automatic payments scheduled through Jax Federal Credit Union’s Online Payment Portal, Bill Pay or other financial institutions.

  Assistance in the Granite State

  With 735,000 CU members in New Hampshire, the Cooperative CU Association is reporting credit unions in the state have created a number of assistance programs, including:

  • Low-interest loans (often up to 12 or 24 months)
  • 60-90-day deferments on loan payments
  • Refinancing options on mortgages
  • Waived fees for early withdrawal on certificates
  • Waivers on checking account overdraft fees
  • Skip-a-Pay programs on auto and home loans and credit cards
  • Mortgage and home equity payment relief
  • Emergency hardship loans
  • Increased credit limits
  • Extended due dates on collections

  Bay FCU Partners With Green Path

  In Capitola, Calif., Bay FCU said it is partnering with GreenPath Financial Wellness to address critical needs among community individuals and families impacted by COVID-19.  Through the partnership, Bay Federal said it will offer free phone-based GreenPath financial counseling. GreenPath’s counselors will assess an individual’s entire financial picture and identify options that can relieve stress and make it easier to bounce back.

• In Connecticut, credit unions are among the more than 50 financial institutions in this state that have reached an agreement to offer mortgage relief to residents and businesses facing hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic.
• Announced by Gov. Ned Lamont, the participating financial institutions have agreed to:
  • 90-day grace period for all mortgage payments. Participating financial institutions are now offering mortgage-payment forbearances of up to 90 days, which will allow homeowners to reduce or delay monthly mortgage payments. In addition, the institutions will provide a streamlined process for requesting forbearance for COVID-19-related reasons, supported with available documentation; confirm approval and terms of forbearance program; and provide the opportunity to extend forbearance agreements if faced with continued hardship resulting from COVID-19.
  • Relief from fees and charges for 90 days. For at least 90 days, participating financial institutions will waive or refund mortgage-related late fees and other fees including early CD withdrawals.
  • No new foreclosures for 60 days: Financial institutions will not start any foreclosure sales or evictions.
  • No credit score changes for accessing relief: For those taking advantage of this COVID-19-related relief, late or missed payments will not be shared with credit reporting agencies.

• Riverview Credit Union said it has put in place a special short-term lending program designed to help members affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

  According to Riverview CU, the new loan program offers:

  • Maximum loan amount of 1.5 times verified monthly income up to $1,500
  • A term of 90 days if a single payment and 12 months for fully amortizing loans
  • A limit of one relief loan per borrower at any one time, with no more than three loans in a rolling six-month period
  • The interest rate of 0% is effective provided the member does not default
  • There is no rollover and any relief loan must be fully repaid within 12 months
  • To be eligible, there is a minimum membership length of six months
  • Member must have a Riverview checking account
  • No fees will be assessed

  Riverview Credit Union set it has committed $750,000 in total for the relief loan program.

• Marine Credit Union in Wisconsin is committing more than $5-million to COVID-19 relief, including giving  $50,000 per month for employees to provide local COVID-19 relief. It noted it will also continue to pay all of its employees and has also formed a Compassion Task Force. The full story can be found here. 
  
• Maine Family FCU has partnered with Val’s Drive-In to provide free meals to any child under the age of 13 through April 30. Meals will include a cheeseburger, hot dog, grilled cheese, or chicken nuggets, French fries, soda or milk.
• First Tech FCU said it is contributing $50,000 to food banks in Washington, Oregon and California to help feed families and individuals in need. “We are in contact with our partners across our footprint and are continuing our grant making programs, and working with communities to identify critical needs,” the credit union said. “We’ve empowered our employees to give back even more during these times. Employees are able to use their 16 paid volunteer hours to support neighbors in need, observing public health guidelines and safety measures, grocery shopping for seniors and reading with children home from school using teleconferencing solutions. We’re also increasing our matching gifts and have activated a 2:1 match for employee giving, up to $1,000 per employee, to food banks, shelters, hospitals, and other critical service nonprofits.
• In Oregon, Wauna Credit Union has implemented a “Hazard Pay for Heroes” program that pays employees a premium for coming to the office. For those who must report to work, the credit union is paying them an additional $3 per hour.
• In Jacksonville, Fla., First Florida Credit Union is distributing $5,000 among its 198 employees to spend as part of a #LocalStrong intiative. The full story can be found here.
• In Peachtree Corners, Ga., EXCEL FCU recently distributed more than 110 care packs to members, as reported here. 
• In South Carolina, Sharonview FCU has added walk-up windows at two of its branches in which the lobbies have been closed, as story here. 
• Twenty-nine credit unions in New Jersey have joined with a statewide initiative offering financial protections, including mortgage payment relief. The full story is here. 
• North Star Community Credit Union in North Dakota has declared a $1 million bonus dividend to help members during the pandemic. 
• In Raleigh, N.C., State Employees CU and the State Employees Foundation are donating $10 million to support local initiatives.
• In Vacaville, Calif., Travis Credit Union has donated $1 million to support multiple local organizations. In addition, it said it will also match up to $4 milion given to the TCU Foundation from other sources. 
• WESTconsin Credit Union in Menonomie, Wis. is offering a number of relief programs for consumer and business members. Details can be found here. 

• According to the Kentucky Credit Union League, credit unions in the state are offering assistance that includes:

  • 90-Day deferment on loan payments including mortgages
  • Skip-a-Pay programs on auto and home loans and credit cards
  • Access to equity on autos loans 
  • 90 Days no payment on new auto loans
  • Waived fees for early CD withdrawals
  • Waived fees on overdrafts and other services
  • Lower interest rates on loans
  • Emergency hardship loans
  • Extended due dates on collections

  In addition, one Kentucky credit union is offering an Employee Assistance Account where an employee can apply for emergency funds in the event the employee’s spouse is not working due to the pandemic, the Kentucky CU League said. 

• In Columbia, Md., the Credit Union Foundation of Maryland and the District of Columbia has created a new fund to help CU members affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The fund will provide one-time $500 grants to eligible members going through financial crisis.  The Foundation is accepting contributions to the fund. 
• In Onalaska, Wis., Altra FCU is paying a 20% increase to front-line staff.
• In Manchester, N.H., Bellwether Community CU donated free take-home dinners to local hospital in three of its markets. 
• Indiana's credit unions have partnered with the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority and other organizations to cerate an Eviction/Foreclosure Resource Guide.
• Suncoast Credit Union in Florida has contributed funds to cover 500,000 meals via Feeding Tampa Bay.
• Wayne Westland FCU in Michigan has created a $10,000 relief fund to provide four one-time grants of $2,500 to households experiencing hardships.  
• In Jacksonville, Fla., VyStar Credit Union has partnered with the city to crate a $50 million loan fund to support local businesses. The full story is here.
• In Colorado, a campaign themed “Yes, Denver, We’re Open” has been launched by Westerra Credit Union aimed at helping to bring awareness—and business—to the small locally-owned businesses that have remained open during the COVID-19 crisis. 
  
• In Massachsetts, Athol Credit Union reported it did some office cleaning and found unused reusable grocery store bags made of non-woven polypropylene that included its name and logo. It is now donating those bags to LaunchSpace, which will use the material to create N95 medical masks.
• In St. Louis, Together Credit Union has delivered 1,200 N95 particulate respirator masks by 3M to the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Taskforce and 100 additional masks to Abbott EMS. The full story is here.
• Royal Credit Union in Eau, Claire, Wis. has announced a $40,000 initiative to support organizations in need as part of its commitment to creating a positive impact in the communities the credit union serves. 
• In Irondale, Ala., Corporate America CU has committed $100,000 toward a Southeastern Credit Union Foundation (SECUF) initiative aimed at injecting support into communities across the Southeast. 
• Northeast Credit Union in Portsmouth, N.H. has launched a "Virtual Community Center" that highlights kindness stories and offers things to do during the stay-at-home order. The story is here.
• Valley Credit Union in BIllings, Mont. has launched a series of TV commercials highlighting local restaurants that are open. The full story is here, and it includes links to the TV spots. 
• In Libby, Mont. Lincoln County Credit Union has introduced 0% loans and other assistance for members. Story here.
• Firefly Credit Union in Minnesota is offering an Emergency Relief Loan and Loan Payment Relief. Story here.
• Credit Union of Texas has introduced a Furloughed Employee Auto Loan program to help members refinance high-interest car loans. Details are here.
• In Tucson, Ariz., Hughes FCU said it is supporting local businesses through discounts offered to members who have its Checking PLUS account. Story here. 
• On Tap Credit Union in Colorado is purchasing more than 40 $25 gift cards from different local businesses to be given to families in need. Story here.
• Ent Credit Union is reporting it has deferred more than $90 million in loan payments and provided $24 million in emergency loans. Story here. 
• In North Carolina, Coastal Credit Union has introduced a self-service Skip-a-Pay program, in addition to providing other assistance to members. 
• In Frankfort, Ky., Commonwealth Credit Union has created a Member Assistance Loan Program for those who have lost their job, been furloughed or otherwise affected by the coronavirus pandemic. 
• The Illinois Credit Union Foundation has created a new program to assist credit unions and is providing $160,000 in funds to deal with the COVID-19 crisis.  Grants up to $2,000 are available to help credit unions up to $100 million in assets offset unexpected COVID-related expenses. The ICUF said the grants will provide assistance in three main areas. In addition to the COVID-19 grants, funds are also available for financial counselor certification and remote/virtual financial education.
• Employees of Complex Community Credit Union in Midland, Texas sewed, ironed, sanitized and distributed masks to healthcare workers. Story here.
• Verve, a Credit Union, in Oshkosh, Wis. said it has allocated more than $4 million for COVID-19 support programs, included a fixed-rate Paycheck Replacement Loan. Story here.
• In Des Moines, Iowa, Community Choice Credit Union is giving its 50 tellers across eight branches $100 to spend and give in the local community each week over four weeks.
  

  Masks made at America's CU Museum.

• In Lutherville, Md., First Financial FCU said it has paid out $660,000 in dividends and rebates to assist members. Story here.
• Credit unions in Michigan are participating in the state's MiMortgage Relief Partnership. 
• Infinity FCU in Westbrooke, Maine. has launched a new "We Will Rise" campaign aimed at bringing hope and positivity to the community. 
• Stephanie Smith, executive director of America's CU Museum in Manchester, N.H., has been working with others to create handcrafted CDC-approved face masks for credit union employees.
• In Grand Forks, N.D., Riverfork FCU and Med Park CU have teamed to show support for local restaurants by distributing gift cards to members to say thanks and support the local economy. 
• Desert Financial CU has partnered with the City of Tempe on a $1 million Tempe Small Business Emergency Loan program.
• The Kentucky Credit Union League has created a video to say thanks to credit union employees in the Bluegrass State. 
• In New York, Polish & Slavic FCU is providing relief loans as well as support for medical workers. Story here. 
• The Heartland Credit Union Association has collected financial advice for members from CU financial counselors. Story here.
• Some credit unions in Rhode Island have signed on with a state program offering loan, mortgage relief. Story here.
• In New York, Teachers FCU has provided more than $40,000 in support of its communities. 
• The SECU Foundation has donated $2.5 million to provide coronavirus relief across the state of North Carolina. Story here.
• Ocala Community Credit Union in Florida has donated fresh cookies to local firefighters and healthcare workers.
• In Washington, Democracy FCU has launched a Community Give Back program. 
• The World Council of Credit Unions has released a new COVID-19 Guide. Details here.
• In Florida, Suncoast Credit Union has donated $1 million to various organizations to assist in the areas of healthcare, hunger and education and to provide support to communities. Story here.
• Wescom Credit Union in California has donated $10,000 worth of GrubHub gift cards to Huntington Memorial Hospital workers, along with $45,000 in grant support to four food banks. 
• The Cornerstone Credit Union Foundation has launched a series of financial well-being programs as part of a new Pandemic Response Strategy to meet the needs of credit unions, their staff and their members. 
• In Worthington, Penn., Moonlight Credit Union ordered pizzas from its local pizza shop, Grumpy's, and had them delivered to the local Shop 'n Save community grocery store to show its appreciation for its essential workers. 
• In Alexandria, Va., Democracy FCU hosted virtual proms for local high schoolers.
• Here's how Michigan's CUs have stepped up with PPP loans. 
• In San Antonio, River City FCU created an infographic to show how its participation in the PPP program had supported the community. 
• Four credit unions in Honolulu have joined with the city in creating a Small Business Relief and Recovery Fund
• The Michigan league and Cooperative Credit Union Association have created infographics to show how CUs in their respective states are helping communities
• CUs in multiple markets offer updates on their efforts to provide relief during pandemic.
• The Indiana CU League has created a $350,000 grant program to help CUs meet unexpected COVID-19 costs.