<p>RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. – The California Credit Union League's Shapiro Group which provides special assistance to league-member CUs under $23 million in assets, provided $49,401 in grants to smaller CUs in California and Nevada in 2001. The monies were used to aid in technology purchases, policy and strategic planning, and other needs. Of the total grants last year, nearly $34,000 was in the Shapiro Group/Golden 1 Technology Grant Fund, which provides CUs with financial assistance to purchase or upgrade computer hardware and software. New In 2001 were grants to smaller credit unions to help them update their policies, hold strategic planning sessions, and to complete their Project Differentiation reports. Also added in 2001 were grants to defray search firm fees or other recruitment expenses were smaller CUs.</p>