Grants

The Credit Union Impact Foundation Growth and Impact Program was designed to better support The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates member credit unions and chapters in their efforts to enhance their communities and spur credit union philanthropy.

Community Impact Grants

The Community Impact Grant program prioritizes funding projects that remove barriers to the well-being and prosperity of credit union members and their communities. By emphasizing financial literacy as a cornerstone of holistic wellness, this program supports initiatives that empower members and foster sustainable, thriving futures through innovative and impactful solutions. Additionally, the program provides support to credit unions seeking Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) certification or assistance with CDFI Fund Grant Writing.

Maximum grant amounts are $5,000 for credit unions and $1,500 for The League Chapters.

Grant applications will be accepted from April 1 – May 20, 2025. Awardees will be announced on June 6, 2025.

  • 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 Development Grant program 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:

  • Financial Wellness and Education: Projects that advance financial literacy and holistic wellness, empowering credit union members and their communities to overcome barriers to economic and social progress. Examples include initiatives that promote financial education and wellness, enhance access to essential services, support community development, and foster overall well-being.
  • 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 credit union profile worksheet, and submit it, along with any required supporting materials, to: [email protected].

Community Impact Grant Packet

Credit Union Development Grants

The Credit Union Development Grant Program aims to support the growth and sustainability of credit unions by providing financial assistance for projects that improve staff and volunteer development, technology adoption, operational efficiency, and innovation.

Maximum grant amounts are $2,500

Grant applications will be accepted from April 1, 2025, to May 20, 2025. Awardees will be announced on June 6, 2025.

  • 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 aimed at developing and implementing innovative financial products, services, or strategies that address emerging challenges and opportunities in the industry. Grants in this category encourage forward-thinking solutions that enhance member experiences, improve operational efficiency, or drive the credit union's growth and relevance in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

  • 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, which includes the application and credit union profile worksheet, and submit it, along with any required supporting materials, to: [email protected].

Credit Union Development Grant Packet

Professional Development Grants

The Credit Union Impact Foundation awards professional development grants throughout the year for credit union CEOs, employees, board members and supervisory committee members to attend The League and America’s Credit Unions educational events.

The Professional Development Grants Program is designed for smaller asset size credit unions and credit unions with financial hardships. The grants not only cover tuition or registration fees but may also cover a portion of travel costs. Professional Development Grants are awarded to individuals who best exemplify the credit union philosophy, and whose attendance at approved programs would be beneficial in the perpetuation of credit union goals and ideas.

Professional Development Grant requests must be received at least 30 days before the event.

  • 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.

  • Based primarily, but not solely, on the financial needs of credit unions with a record of interest and dedication to a career in the credit union movement.
  • The ability of the credit union to pay should a grant not be awarded.
  • Dedication of the credit union management and board to pay for the completion of an educational program which requires more than one year of study during which only one year of grant funds may be awarded.

  • 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

Disaster Preparedness RecoveryPro Grant

The Credit Union Impact Foundation is offering a grant program to assist credit unions in implementing the RecoveryPro system, a comprehensive business continuity and disaster recovery platform. This grant includes access to the RecoveryPro technology and a mandatory three-day in-person training workshop.

The goal of this grant is to enhance the preparedness of credit unions by helping them develop, integrate, and maintain a robust business continuity plan. Ongoing compliance support will be provided to all grantees by The League Compliance team, including assistance with compliance updates and annual business continuity check-ins to ensure that credit unions are maintaining their plans effectively.

Stay tuned for an announcement on the opening of the nomination portal.

  • Covers the first-year cost of the RecoveryPro system ($200 per credit union) and mandatory three-day training.
  • Credit unions are responsible for:
    • Ongoing maintenance fees after the first year.
    • 50% of the system’s cost in the second year.
  • The Credit Union Impact Foundation provides up to $1,000 per staff member with a maximum of three attendees for travel and accommodations for in-person training.
  • Credit unions cover any costs exceeding this amount.
  • Priority for credit unions with limited or outdated business continuity plans.
  • All credit unions are eligible to apply, regardless of asset size.
  • Must be a member of The League.
  • Must commit to implementing the RecoveryPro system and attending training (grant forfeited if training is not attended).
  • Must agree to provide post-grant feedback on RecoveryPro's effectiveness and impact.

  • Special consideration is given to small and mid-sized credit unions lacking financial resources for comprehensive business continuity planning.
  • The program supports smaller credit unions in enhancing preparedness and resilience without bearing the full financial burden.
  • Large credit unions may apply if they demonstrate a compelling need, such as critical gaps in disaster preparedness or unique challenges.

  • Priority is given to credit unions sending multiple attendees, demonstrating a strong commitment to disaster preparedness.
  • Smaller credit unions with limited staff can still qualify by sending at least one key staff member responsible for business continuity planning.
  • Participation in the full three-day training is mandatory, with at least one staff member required to attend.
  • The Credit Union Impact Foundation encourages credit unions to send as many relevant staff as possible to ensure cross-functional understanding of the RecoveryPro system and business continuity planning.
  • Credit unions with limited staff should nominate the most suitable individual to lead the implementation and management of their continuity plan.

Grantees will be required to submit the following reports:

Initial Implementation Report (within 30 days of training completion):

  • Summary of the credit union’s progress in developing their business continuity plan using RecoveryPro.
  • Number of staff trained, and roles of key staff members involved in the business continuity planning process.
  • Status of RecoveryPro integration into current systems.

Mid-Year Progress Report (six months after grant award):

  • Detailed updates on the business continuity plan, including the completion of critical recovery processes and procedures.
  • Challenges encountered during implementation and how they were addressed.
  • An overview of any drills or tests conducted using the RecoveryPro system, and their outcomes.
  • A description of how the system is being maintained and updated.

Final Impact Report (12 months after grant award):

  • Detailed description of the current state of the credit union’s business continuity plan.
  • Evidence of readiness for disaster recovery, including a summary of any continuity tests or emergency preparedness drills conducted.
  • An assessment of how RecoveryPro has improved the credit union’s ability to respond to potential disruptions.
  • Plans for continued use and maintenance of the RecoveryPro system.
  • Testimonials from staff and management on the perceived value of the system and training.
  • Success stories or specific examples of how RecoveryPro has enhanced preparedness, which the Credit Union Impact Foundation may use for future case studies or promotional materials.

To evaluate the success of the grant program, the following metrics will be tracked.

Adoption and Usage:

  • Number of credit unions that have fully adopted and are using the RecoveryPro system within six months of receiving the grant.
  • Percentage of credit unions completing the full three-day training session and certifying staff members in disaster preparedness.

Plan Completion and Integration:

  • Number of credit unions that have completed and integrated their business continuity plan into the RecoveryPro system within the first year.
  • Increase in the number of credit unions reporting readiness for disaster recovery, based on their business continuity plan reviews.

Long-Term Preparedness:

  • Number of credit unions conducting regular (quarterly or biannual) business continuity tests using the RecoveryPro system.
  • Percentage of grantees reporting an improved state of disaster preparedness and readiness, as evaluated by post-implementation surveys and progress reports.

Community and Operational Impact:

  • Evidence of reduced operational downtime during disruptions for grantee credit unions.
  • Qualitative feedback on how improved disaster preparedness has benefited the communities served by each credit union.
  • Success stories demonstrating the impact of the RecoveryPro system in enhancing credit union resilience and community service continuity.

  • Submit an online application through the Credit Union Impact Foundation grant portal.
  • Detail current business continuity practices and how RecoveryPro will benefit operations.
  • Include a sustainability plan for maintaining and updating the continuity plan beyond the grant period.
  • Applications reviewed by an internal committee based on criteria.

Disaster Preparedness RecoveryPro Grant Application

Support the Credit Union Impact Foundation

The Credit Union Impact Foundation would like to thank all of the individuals, credit unions, chapters, and other organizations who continue to support our cause.