Grants

• To qualify for funding, applicants must be an affiliate credit union or chapter of The League in good standing with the organization.
• Each credit union and chapter is eligible to receive one grant per year.
• Projects must align with one of the specified funding areas and its related objectives, as outlined in the Funding Priorities.
• Applicants must demonstrate a clear need for the project being proposed and have the organizational capacity to successfully deliver quality programming and meet established project goals.
• Projects must have the potential to create a positive impact on the community.
• Funding is awarded on a competitive basis, and the amount of funding available may vary depending on the number of eligible applications received and the overall availability of funding. Successful projects may be considered for future funding, but there is no guarantee of this.
• The Credit Union Impact Foundation does not provide grants for general operating expenses, capital campaigns for “bricks and mortar,” fraternal organizations, religious organizations for religious purposes, political entities, organizations, or activities, or organizations that discriminate based on sex, religion, gender, or national origin.

The Community Impact Grant Program, powered by Vizo Financial, prioritizes funding projects that strengthen the financial health and long-term stability of credit union members and their communities, with a focus on the following funding areas:

• Financial Wellness and Education: Projects that promote financial literacy and strengthen the overall wellness of credit union members and their communities. Examples include initiatives that improve financial education, expand access to financial tools and community resources, support local development, and enhance quality of life.
• Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Certification: Projects that support credit unions seeking CDFI certification. This may include initiatives that provide technical assistance, training, or other resources to help credit unions meet the certification requirements and expand their capacity to serve underserved and low-income communities.
• CDFI Fund Grant Writing Assistance: Projects that support credit unions seeking CDFI Fund grants by providing funding for the hiring of grant writers. This may include initiatives that help credit unions build their grant writing capacity, such as training or technical assistance programs, as well as direct funding to hire grant writers to assist with the CDFI Fund grant application process.

• The Grants Committee will review all grant applications. A report of all grant authorizations will be made to the Credit Union Impact Foundation Board of Trustees at each regularly scheduled board meeting.
• Approval/Denial of applications will be communicated with applicants by the Foundation Executive Director.
• Grants must be utilized within the calendar year of their receipt, unless written approval for an extension is requested and granted by the foundation. Any funds expended beyond the grant's specified scope are subject to refund, and a credit union may risk becoming ineligible for future grant opportunities.
• Grant report form, collateral material, and required receipts must be submitted upon the completion of the grant project. A grant update may be requested at the six-month mark following grant receipt.

All applicants must complete the full Community Impact Grant Application Packet, including the application, and submit it, along with any required supporting materials.

Click here for the Community Impact Grant Application.

• To be eligible, applicants must be an affiliated credit unions in good standing with The League, with a limit of one grant application per year.
• The proposed project must align with the Credit Union Impact Foundation’s Credit Union Development Grant funding priorities.
• The applicant must demonstrate a need for the grant funds to address staff and volunteer development, adaptation of technology, operational needs, and/or innovation.
• The applicant must have a clear plan for how the grant funds will be used and how they will support the credit union's growth and development.
• The applicant must be able to demonstrate the ability to implement and manage the proposed project within a reasonable timeline.
• The applicant must agree to submit a progress report to the grantor within a specified timeframe.
• The applicant must be willing to share the outcomes of the project, and any lessons learned with other credit unions in the industry.
• Priority will be given to credit unions with assets under $150 million.
• The maximum grant amount is $2,500.
• Full funding is not guaranteed and is based on need and available funds.
• The proposed program must be implemented, and grant funds expended within 12 months.
• The Credit Union Impact Foundation does not provide grants for general operating expenses, capital campaigns for “bricks and mortar,” fraternal organizations, religious organizations for religious purposes, political entities, organizations, or activities, or organizations that discriminate based on sex, religion, gender, or national origin.

The Credit Union Development Grant prioritizes funding projects that address barriers to the well-being and prosperity of credit union members and their communities, with a focus on the following funding areas:

• Equipment and Technology: The grant program provides financial support for the acquisition, implementation, and upgrade of equipment and technology systems that enhance credit union services and operations. This includes funding for hardware and software systems, ATMs, security systems, website and mobile app development, and other technology-related needs.
• Marketing: The grant program supports credit unions in promoting their services, raising their profile in the community, and engaging with their members.
• Succession Planning: The grant program provides financial support to help credit unions plan for leadership and management transitions, ensuring continuity and stability.
• Innovation: The grant program prioritizes projects that promote innovation within credit unions. This includes initiatives focused on developing or implementing new financial products, services, or strategies that respond to emerging challenges and opportunities. Grants in this category support forward-thinking approaches that improve member experiences, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen the credit union’s long-term growth and relevance in an evolving financial environment.

• The Grants Committee will review all grant applications. A report of all grant authorizations will be made to the Credit Union Impact Foundation Board of Trustees at each regularly scheduled board meeting.
• Approval/Denial of applications will be communicated with applicants by the Foundation Executive Director.
• Grants must be utilized within the calendar year of their receipt, unless written approval for an extension is requested and granted by the foundation. Any funds expended beyond the grant's specified scope are subject to refund, and a credit union may risk becoming ineligible for future grant opportunities.
• Grant report form, collateral material, and required receipts must be submitted upon the completion of the grant project. A grant update may be requested at the six-month mark following grant receipt.

All applicants must complete the full Credit Union Development Grant Application Packet, including the application, and submit it, along with any required supporting materials.

Click here for the Credit Union Development Grant Application.

• Any credit union employee or volunteer of an affiliated credit union may apply for a Professional Development Grant.
• Credit unions cannot be awarded the same Professional Development Grant in consecutive years.
• Applicants may apply for Professional Development Grants for different programs in different years.
• Individuals enrolled in a program requiring more than one year of study will be ineligible to receive an award to that program for more than one year.
• Grant requests must be received at least 30 days before the event.

• Consideration is primarily based on financial need, with priority given to credit unions demonstrating a sustained interest in and commitment to staff development within the credit union industry.
• The credit union’s ability to fund the opportunity independently if a grant is not awarded will also be considered.
• For multi-year educational programs, preference will be given to credit unions whose leadership is committed to supporting the full completion of the program, recognizing that grant funds may only be awarded for one year.

• Grant awards will be used to pay tuition/registration fees and reasonable travel expenses directly related to a specific conference, workshop, or school. Funds must be used within 120 days of approval date. Any funds not used during this period will no longer be available to the recipient.
• Receipts must be submitted to the Credit Union Impact Foundation within 30 days of the completion of the conference, workshop, or school.
• Should the recipient not be able to attend a program and need to cancel after the refund deadline, reimbursement for any penalties incurred will be due to the Credit Union Impact Foundation.

Professional Development Grant Scholarship Form

Professional Development Grant Scholarship Reimbursement Form

To qualify for funding, applicants must:

• Be an affiliated credit union in good standing with The League.
• Have total assets under $250 million.
• Demonstrate an unexpected, time-sensitive operational challenge that directly impacts member service.
• Request funding for a one-time operational need, rather than an ongoing expense.
• Clearly explain how grant funds will resolve the immediate challenge.
• Demonstrate financial stability and the ability to maintain ongoing operations after the immediate challenge has been resolved.
• Agree to submit a final grant report within 60 days of completing the funded activity.
• Limit requests to one Small Credit Union Sustainability Grant within a rolling 12-month period.

The Credit Union Impact Foundation does not provide Sustainability Grants for:

• Routine operating expenses
• Budget shortfalls or ongoing financial deficits
• Planned capital improvements
• Marketing or strategic growth initiatives
• Disaster-related expenses
• Projects that do not address an immediate operational challenge

The Small Credit Union Sustainability Grant Program prioritizes one-time funding requests that preserve member access to financial services by helping credit unions quickly address unforeseen operational challenges.

Examples of eligible projects include:

• Emergency technology or network repairs
• Critical equipment replacement
• Urgent facility repairs affecting member service
• Temporary technical or professional assistance
• Unexpected compliance-related expenses
• Vendor failures requiring immediate replacement or transition

Funding decisions are based on the urgency of the request, the impact on members, the effectiveness of the proposed solution, and the overall financial condition of the credit union.

• Grant applications will be reviewed quarterly by Foundation staff to evaluate eligibility, urgency, demonstrated financial need, member impact, and alignment with program priorities. The Foundation may request additional information or supporting documentation during the review process.
• Funding recommendations will be approved by the Foundation Executive Director. A report of all grant authorizations will be made to the Credit Union Impact Foundation Board of Trustees at each regularly scheduled board meeting.
• Approval/Denial of applications will be communicated with applicants by the Foundation Executive Director.
• Grants must be utilized within six months of their receipt, unless written approval for an extension is requested and granted by the Foundation. Grant funds must be used only for the purpose outlined in the approved application.
• A final grant report must be submitted within 60 days of completing the funded activity.

The Small Credit Union Sustainability Grant is an invitation-only funding opportunity.

Before applying, the proposed funding request must be reviewed and approved by the Director of the Office of Small Credit Unions. An invitation to apply confirms that the request is eligible for consideration but does not guarantee funding.

Applications are reviewed quarterly. The application deadlines for 2026 are:

Applications that are incomplete or submitted without prior approval from the Director of the Office of Small Credit Unions may not be considered for funding. Applications received after a deadline will be considered during the next quarterly review cycle.

Before reaching out, please review the Small Credit Union Sustainability Grant FAQ and all program information on this page, as many common questions are addressed there.

If you have questions about the grant program, eligibility requirements, or application process, please contact the Credit Union Impact Foundation at cuif@the-league.coop.

If you believe your credit union is experiencing an unexpected operational challenge that may qualify for funding and would like to begin the application process, please contact Susan Lee, Director of the Office of Small Credit Unions, to discuss your situation and determine whether your request is eligible for an invitation to apply.