Credit unions are known for their quick and generous support of disaster relief efforts. The Cornerstone Foundation can respond to disasters because of credit unions'
commitment to "people helping people." Working together with the National Credit Union Foundation, America's Credit Unions, other Leagues, and affected credit unions, funds are distributed directly to those credit union staff and volunteers in need, so they can stabilize
their lives and continue to serve their members.
The term “disaster” for grant guidelines shall include natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, and other weather disturbances, as well as man-made disasters such as fire and acts of terrorism. The term
shall exclude; economic disasters such as recessions and depressions and local, regional, or national health events such as accidents, epidemics, or pandemics.
Eligibility
Cornerstone region credit union staff and volunteers currently employed or serving at the time of the disaster and during the grant process. Grants are limited per household and not per individual. Damages and losses that occur and are eligible to be considered for assistance must be for primary residence or vehicle only. Excessive vehicles, second homes, or places of business shall be excluded. Grants are intended to assist with life sustaining expenses and not lifestyle expenses.
Grant dollars are to assist with only the out of pocket expenses that credit union staff or volunteers are responsible to cover from their own personal loss after all other sources of financial assistance are considered (i.e. insurance, FEMA, Red Cross, friends and family, etc.). Assistance is provided for basic needs such as food, shelter, and transportation. Personal expenses for the following are excluded from assistance: medical, dental, and funeral expenses caused by the disaster. All requests are subject to the grants committee review and approval.
Disasters may affect only one individual from the credit union or many, and the Cornerstone Credit Union Foundation is able to assist no matter the size of the disaster.
Process
The Foundation has established a two-phase process when disasters occur:
Phase I Emergency Relief Grant - available to credit union employees and volunteers to assist with immediate disaster relief needs, such as out-of-pocket costs that may result from being evacuated, insurance deductibles, and initial property repairs.
Phase I grant applications are accepted year-round up to 60 days after the disaster occurred. Once submitted, the Cornerstone Foundation grants committee reviews and approves grants of up to $1,000.
Phase II - intended to assist credit union employees and volunteers with additional significant needs. This is implemented only after the distribution of Phase I grants. This phase begins 90 days after the respective disaster and is dependent on the funds available. Phase II grants may be provided up to $5,000.
Please carefully review the full Cornerstone Grants and Scholarships guidelines for complete Disaster Relief process and details.