HHS Assets for Independence Grants Available
AFI application period ends July 15 for up to $1 million grants;
Conference
Call Scheduled
June 15, 2005, Alexandria, Va. -- National Credit Union Administration
(NCUA) Chairman JoAnn Johnson and Josephine Robinson, director of the
Office of Community Services (OCS), U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS), recently met to discuss HHS’ economic empowerment
initiative, the Assets for Independence Program.
HHS is hosting special conference calls open to all 2005 Assets
for Independence Program (AFI) grant program applicants. Low-income designated
credit unions are encouraged to participate in a call-in to hear an overview
of the program and learn application procedures for AFI grants of up
to $1 million.
“Credit unions are a great vehicle for AFI grants. There are real
benefits of the grants, as these funds have enabled credit unions to
enhance their programs and encourage savings for low-income individuals
and families, often members most in financial need,” said Chairman
Johnson. “AFI grants have made a real difference to grantees. For
example, grantee credit unions assist members with special share saving,
Individual Development Accounts (IDAs). Every dollar a participant
saves in an IDA is matched with grant funds. IDA participants use their
savings and accumulated matching funds to acquire long-term assets such
as a first home, higher education or to support a small business.”
“I encourage all low-income designated credit unions to call in
with your questions during one of the two day events. Then get online,
retrieve, consider completing and submitting the application form posted
on the Internet by July 15,” said Chairman Johnson.
OCS is hosting two special conference calls at 3:00 – 4:00
p.m. EST June 20 and June 21. Credit unions can participate on either day.
Please pre-register on the Internet at the AFI program homepage: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/assetbuilding. The
dial-in number for both dates is 1-888-390-4470, and the Pass Code is
AFI. Registered participants will receive an application kit and
other documents.
The AFI program announcement and other application information is posted
on the Internet at http://www.acf.hhs.gov/assetbuilding. Call the AFI
Resource Center at 202- 401-4626 or send an email to AFIProgram@acf.hhs.gov to request an application kit and other resources.
The National Credit Union Administration is the independent federal
agency that charters and supervises federal credit unions. NCUA, with
the backing of the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, operates
the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, insuring the savings
of over 84 million account holders in all federal credit unions and many
state-chartered credit unions.
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