11 a.m., Ithaca, New York People are lined up inside the lobby of Alternatives Federal Credit Union in Ithaca, New York, waiting their turn to meet with a volunteer who will prepare and file their taxes for free. They’ll learn about the earned income tax credit that could put substantial money back into their pockets; if they are due a refund, they will be eligible for a tax anticipation note for a modest fee. Alternatives is capitalized in part by the National Community Investment Fund, for which ShoreBank Advisory Services serves as the fund advisor. Alternatives and ShoreBank share a commitment to finding innovative ways to encourage lower-income people to work with financial institutions to help build their assets. Alternatives is preparing to install an ATM in the Department of Human Services building as one way to encourage recipients of government benefits to become credit union members. Believing that small business is the key to creating wealth, they host free classes and provide free counseling for entrepreneurs in the community. ShoreBank Advisory Services, through relationships such as the National Community Investment Fund, provides financing, consulting and administrative services to help financial institutions around the world find ways to help people build wealth.