Good news for credit unions:  The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has encouraged the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF) to open its housing counseling grant program to more credit unions.  Credit unions have until April 7 to apply for HUD funds through NCUF.  You can access a press release from the NCUF that explains how to apply along with the grant application by clicking on the box below or going to http://www.ncuf.coop/media/Forms/HUD FY06 Application-Final.doc.  If you have any questions about this grant program or the application process, you can contact Ruth Jaure with the NCUF at (800) 356-9655, ext. 6294, or e-mail rjaure@ncuf.coop.