Ohio Credit Union Foundation Announces $60k Grant
to Help Underwrite Emmy-Nominated Biz Kid$

Foundation has donated more than $120k to program since 2006

Columbus, Ohio (June 3, 2009) – The Ohio Credit Union Foundation (OCUF) board of trustees yesterday approved a $60,000 grant to help underwrite season 3 of the Emmy-nominated television program Biz Kid$.  Since 2006, OCUF has contributed $120,000 to underwriting efforts, believing strongly in the show’s ability to help kids understand money concepts and the value of entrepreneurship.  Biz Kid$ airs on 12 of 13 PBS stations broadcasting in the state of Ohio, in all 50 states, and in 97% of all national markets.

“The Ohio Credit Union Foundation has been committed to the success of Biz Kid$ from the start, and with the recent Emmy nominations, the show is gaining momentum and people are taking notice,” said Kathy Kanipe, OCUF Board Chair.  “The foundation hopes this grant allows Biz Kid$ to continue to provide much needed financial education to children in Ohio and across the country.”   

A recent survey of Ohio’s PBS stations revealed better time slots for the program and growing viewership.  WNEO/WEAO, which includes the Akron, Canton, Youngstown, and parts of the Cleveland markets, saw Biz Kid$ viewership increase 175% in its new time slot and the show is regularly tuned in by more 11,000 homes.  Additionally, PBS stations in Toledo (WGTE) and Cleveland (WVIZ) recently received grants from Outreach Extensions to promote Biz Kid$ to area educators.

Biz Kid$ curricula is also featured as part of the Ohio Credit Union League’s financial education resource www.MoneyAndStuff.info.  Episode-specific supplemental curricula, created by Outreach Extensions, is available on the Web site for seasons 1 and 2.  The materials were created using national financial literacy standards.  The curriculum amounts to 78 hours of instruction for students in grades four through eight.

Outreach Extensions is responsible for the curricula paired with the Emmy-winning television show Bill Nye the Science Guy, and created curricula for Biz Kid$, nominated in May for two Daytime Emmy Awards by the National Academy of Television Arts & Science.

The Ohio Credit Union Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Ohio Credit Union League and supports educational and outreach initiatives that promote financial independence through credit unions.  The OCUF was incorporated in December 1997, began fundraising in 1998, and made its first grants in 1999. The Foundation proudly celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2008.

-30-