Get answers about what escrow is and how it can affect your monthly mortgage payments. Complete the form to make adjustments to your escrow before 2025. Get answers to your escrow questions It's that time of year—your annual escrow analysis shows what your monthly mortgage payment will be in 2026. Understanding your escrow analysis Let’s talk Escrow Analysis. We’ll walk through what your statement means, why your monthly payment might be changing, and break it all down in plain lingo—no finance degree required. Note: If you pay prior to January 1, 2026, your online account may not reflect your updated 2026 payment amount. Please call first to verify your updated payment amount. The basics What is an escrow account? An escrow account is a special holding account we use to pay your property taxes and homeowners insurance premiums. We manage this account for you so that you only need to make one monthly payment and don’t have to worry about multiple payment due dates. The amount of money that goes into your escrow account is based on our best estimate of what your insurance and property tax expenses will be in the coming year. What is an escrow analysis? The amount of money that goes into your escrow account reflects our best estimate of your property tax and homeowners insurance premiums for the coming year. Because these expenses can fluctuate over time (based on your home’s changing market value and other factors), it’s rare that the amount set aside for your escrow account exactly matches what is paid out. Every fall, we analyze your account to see whether we’ve set aside more money than you need (an overage) or not enough (a shortage). We also take a look at your latest insurance premiums and property tax bills so that we can adjust your payments for next year to reflect any changes. What happens if there's not enough money in my escrow account to pay my taxes and insurance? If your account has a shortage, your taxes and premiums will still be paid—but you will need to pay the difference back to us. There are two ways to do this: We can either increase your mortgage payments next year to cover that amount, or you can submit a payment for the entire sum before noon on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. What happens if there's MORE money in my escrow account than was needed? If your account has an overage of less than $50, we’ll carry the remainder over to next year to provide a cushion for any potential shortages. If your account has an over of $50 or more, you will receive a check for the surplus amount that you can spend as you see fit. Can I choose not to escrow my insurance premiums and property taxes? In some cases, you can. Contact us and we’ll determine if that is an option for you. I have more questions. How do I reach an escrow specialist? You can email us directly or call 1-800-323-5109. Monthly payments When does my new monthly payment go into effect? January 1, 2026. If you typically make your January payment prior to the first of the month, please make sure to adjust that payment to reflect the new payment amount and avoid any late fees. IMPORTANT: Your online account will not reflect the updated amount due until January 1, 2026. This is so that we can make adjustments for members who choose to pay all or part of their escrow shortages up until December 31, 2025. Why is my monthly mortgage payment going up? While the principal and interest on your mortgage payment haven’t changed, your property taxes and/or homeowners insurance premiums have increased since your last escrow analysis. We therefore have to set aside a larger amount of money each month to cover these increases. How do I update my automatic payment? You need to complete and submit an escrow change form to us by noon on December 31, 2025. If you pay your mortgage through a non-Vibrant account, you will need to provide your account number. If you pay extra toward your principal balance or would like to start, make sure to note the payment amount on your form. My mortgage payment has increased by more than my taxes and/or insurance premiums have. Why? That indicates that your escrow account had a shortage in 2025 (your estimated escrow contributions were smaller than your actual taxes and/or premiums). In addition to increasing your payment to accommodate those higher charges, you also need to make up the amount of the shortage. If you prefer, you can pay some or all of the shortage amount by noon on December 31, 2025, and decrease your payments for next year. Why is my monthly morgage payment going down? While the amount of principal and interest you pay toward your mortgage hasn’t changed, either your property tax assessment or homeowners’ insurance premiums have declined since last year. Enjoy the savings! If I pay into the escrow now, can I avoid my payment going up at all? No, the payments will always be based at minimum of what your taxes and insurance are. Since those typically increase annually, paying the shortage does not mean the monthly amounts won't increase for next year. Escrow shortages Can I pay my shortage up front? How long do I have to make the payment before it affects my payment? Yes, you can pay all or a portion of your shortage. This must be done by noon on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. How do I pay my shortage? You can make your payment through our online banking platform. After logging in, you will see your home loan appear on the main dashboard screen. Click on your home loan to expand this area. Select "Pay Now." In the bulleted options, you will see an "Escrow Only" option. Enter the appropriate amount here. Finish your transaction by selecting "Submit Transfer." Upon payment, please contact us to have your 2026 payments updated accordingly. Escrow overages When will I receive a refund of my escrow overage? Your check will arrive within two weeks after you receive your escrow analysis letter. Will I receive a check, or will it be deposited into my account? You will receive a check in the mail. I had an overage, but I didn't receive a check. Why not? If your overage amount was less than $50, it remains on deposit in your escrow account to provide a cushion for any potential shortages in 2026.

Vibrant started the Be The Good Foundation to build and sustain vibrant communities throughout Iowa and Illinois. Be The Good Foundation Empowering Our Communities Add a Title Help us Be the Good Join us in creating more vibrant communities in Iowa and Illinois. BE THE GOOD FOUNDATION Empowering Our Communities Our Vision To be a driving force for positive change—fueling communities with funding, volunteer support, and opportunities to thrive. We envision Vibrant communities where people grow together, opportunities abound, and compassion leads the way.  Our Mission We fund projects and programs that boost financial literacy, equip kids with essential life skills, and create thriving communities. We do this with purpose and heart, rooted in our belief that when people and organizations come together for good, everyone benefits.  Groups We Support Be The Good Foundation particularly focuses on organizations and initiatives that support: Improving financial literacy Helping kids develop career and leadership skills Resources that make our communities better and safer Communitywide cultural and social enrichment We prioritize giving to organizations whose work helps as many people as possible, regardless of religious or political affiliation or socioeconomic background. Our Core Values We love our communities and want to make them even better. We’re proud to be a part of the communities we serve. These aren’t just places on a map—they’re home. We believe that when you care deeply about a place, you do your part to help it grow, improve, and thrive. Whether that means supporting grassroots programs and projects, investing in local leadership, or simply showing up where we’re needed, we are here to uplift and empower. Our communities deserve to flourish, and we’re committed to being a part of that transformation every step of the way. We believe in good—doing good, being good, and spreading good. In a world that can often feel divided or heavy, we choose to lead with hope and positivity. We intentionally support programs and projects that are doing good in their pocket of the world—because we believe those efforts ripple outward in powerful ways. To us, “good” isn’t just an abstract idea. It’s about showing kindness, standing up for others, lending a hand, and doing what’s right, even when it’s not easy. By consistently choosing good, we hope to inspire others to do the same—and together, create a more compassionate and connected world. We’re here to help people. Helping others is at the heart of who we are. It’s not about grand gestures or recognition—it’s about meeting people where they are and supporting them in ways that truly matter. We believe that no act of help is too small. Whether we’re backing nonprofit organizations with innovative solutions, responding to urgent community needs, or simply making life a little easier for someone facing a tough time, we approach every effort with care, compassion, and the belief that every person is worth investing in. When people feel seen and supported, they can rise—and that’s the kind of world we want to build. We’re hopeful and optimistic. We see so much good happening around us—nonprofits doing extraordinary work, volunteers stepping up with heart, and communities coming together with courage and resilience. That gives us hope. We choose to believe in what’s possible, even in the face of challenges. Our optimism isn’t naïve—it’s rooted in the real, tangible work being done by people and organizations who care deeply and work tirelessly. That’s why we support them. They inspire us daily, and we believe their efforts are building a brighter, more vibrant future for everyone. We bring joy to what we do. Joy is a driving force in our work. Yes, we tackle serious issues—but we also believe that joy, gratitude, and connection make our efforts even more impactful. We celebrate the wins, cherish the partnerships, and find meaning in the small moments. When you love what you do and believe in why you’re doing it, joy becomes a natural part of the process. It fuels us, lifts others up, and reminds us that even in the hardest work, there’s room for light and celebration. We care about real results. We’re not just here to feel good—we’re here to do good, and to do it well. That means staying focused on the outcomes that truly make a difference in people’s lives. We want to see positive change that lasts—more access to opportunities, stronger support systems, healthier and wealthier communities. That’s why we support initiatives that are strategic, measurable, and seek real impact. When we give, we give with purpose. And we expect our partners to do the same, because our ultimate goal is lasting, meaningful progress—not just quick wins. Integrity matters—always. We believe that integrity is the foundation of everything. It builds trust, ensures accountability, and creates the conditions for real change. We hold ourselves to high ethical standards in everything we do—from how we select and support our grantees to how we communicate with our community. And we ask the same of those with whom we partner. Doing good isn’t just about the results—it’s also about how we get there. Integrity means being transparent, honest, and consistent, even when no one is watching. It’s nonnegotiable for us, and essential to the kind of impact we want to make. Our Board Tiffany Haedt President Megan Anderson Vice President Directors: Matt McCombs, Amy Henderson, Nick Tarpein and Trista Beise Ready to get started? Apply for a Grant Eligibility Requirements We welcome proposals for conforming programs that align with our values and priorities. Please check our Grantmaking Guidelines to see if you're eligible to apply. Need More Information? Have questions about the process or want to request more information about the Be The Good Foundation? Request more details Grantee Forms & Resources Small Grant Proposal Regular Grant Proposal Cover Form Regular Grant Proposal Cover Form for Renewing Due Diligence Due Diligence Questionnaire Organizational Changes Supporting Documentation Supporting Documentation for Renewing Applicants Request to Support a Program Small Grant Report FAQ

Relentlessly focused on the products it knows it does better than its competitors, Vibrant is devoting its energy and investments into building up the service channels its members prefer to use, especially its digital banking platforms and its Moline-based call center. Meet the new Vibrant: The best place to move your money Relentlessly focused on the products it knows it does better than its competitors, Vibrant is devoting its energy and investments into building up the service channels its members prefer to use, especially its digital banking platforms and its Moline-based call center. Moline, IL — April 3, 2024 Last fall, Vibrant Credit Union decided it was time to start offering members something they couldn’t find at any other local financial institution: interest on their savings and checking balances that adds up to more than a handful of pennies a year. Interest rates on consumer borrowing, especially car and home loans, have risen significantly over the last 2+ years as the Federal Reserve has raised the federal funds rate to combat inflation. At the same time, interest rates on consumer deposits—the funds that financial institutions use to make many of those loans—have remained stubbornly low. Most big banks still offer a measly 0.01 percent annual percentage yield on consumer savings—meaning that if you deposit $10,000 in a savings account, by the end of the year, you’ll earn a single dollar in interest. Put that same $10,000 in Vibrant’s new Preferred Savings account, though, and you’ll earn $450. Further, the account has no monthly service fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no hidden conditions about setting up direct deposit or making a certain number of debit card transactions each month to qualify. It's a strategy that’s proving wildly successful for the credit union. In February alone, current and new members moved an additional $26 million in deposits to Vibrant. So why aren’t other financial institutions following suit? Matt McCombs, Vibrant’s president and CEO since 2015, thinks it’s because Vibrant’s new model goes against the conventional wisdom of what a credit union is supposed to look like. “Over the last few years, we’ve taken a long hard look at where we’re spending our members’ money and how well that aligns with what they actually want us to spend money on,” says McCombs. “For instance, a decade ago, more than half our members did at least some of their banking in person at one of our branches. Last year, that number was down to about 16 percent, and it’s continuing to drop. “So we asked, what if we invested more in the technologies and services our members are actually using—like our online banking platform and our call center? What if we close some of our branches outright and use the savings to pay our members more interest on their deposits?" That’s the new Vibrant: relentlessly focused on the products it knows it does better than its competitors and devoting its energy and investments into building up the service channels its members prefer to use, especially its digital banking platforms and its Moline-based call center. “It’s a matter of understanding our strengths and doubling down on them,” says McCombs. For now, it means that Vibrant doesn’t look like anyone else in the area. But McCombs is confident Vibrant’s model is the way of the future. “The days of getting all your financial needs met by a single institution are over. When someone wants to buy a house, they can get on Rocket Mortgage. When they want to buy a car, they go straight to the dealership. We don’t mind if our members get the best deal on their loans from someone else, because that means we’re able to give them the best deal on their deposits.” Even given the rise of so many internet-only financial institutions, McCombs also sees an important place for credit unions like Vibrant. “In general, people prefer to do business with local people,” McCombs says. "When they have questions, they want to be able to talk with someone they know. They want to support local jobs. They're just not going to do it at the expense of passing up a much better deal online. Our savings and checking options give people an excellent reason to keep their money here in our communities.” About Vibrant Vibrant was founded in 1935 as a federally insured credit union with its roots in agricultural manufacturing. Now an industry-leading deposit rate competitor, customers across the country can bank with the best utilizing easy access apps and money movement-friendly accounts with top earning rates. In the community, Vibrant strives to bring specialized products to nonprofits and small businesses to foster all to "be the good." Not far from their roots, Vibrant also provides relationship- and education-focused equipment financing programs to outdoor equipment manufacturers nationwide. Previous Item Next Item