The Credit Union Impact Foundation, the charitable arm of The League of Credit Unions, has opened the application portal for the Growth and Impact Grant Program. This program provides financial support to credit unions and chapters across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia and includes three distinct grant opportunities: the Community Impact Grant Program, powered by Vizo Financial, and the Credit Union Development Grant Program and Professional Development Grant Program.
This year, a total of $200,000 has been allocated to support credit unions and chapters in creating meaningful impact for the members they serve and their communities. Of that total, $50,000 has been designated specifically for Community Impact Grants, thanks to the generous contribution from Vizo Financial. This targeted funding significantly expands the Foundation’s capacity to support innovative community-based initiatives, with an emphasis on financial wellness and community outreach.
“With $200,000 in total funding available through the Growth and Impact Grant Program, we are investing in projects that remove barriers for members, strengthen communities, and help credit unions grow and innovate,” said Bobbi Grady, Executive Director of the Credit Union Impact Foundation. “We’re especially grateful for our partnership with Vizo Financial, whose $50,000 commitment to the Community Impact Grants is enabling us to meet growing needs with greater focus and flexibility.”
“Our top priority as a corporate is leveraging our partnerships to expand opportunities for credit unions to connect with their communities, whether through financial education, literacy programs or outreach initiatives,” said Erin Doan, Vice President of Administration for Vizo Financial. “We’re excited to collaborate with the Credit Union Impact Foundation to bring those efforts to life, and we can’t wait to see the incredible impact credit unions will make with the help of these 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, the program supports initiatives that empower members and foster sustainable, thriving futures. It also offers support to credit unions pursuing Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) certification or assistance with CDFI Fund grant writing.
The Credit Union Development Grants aim to support the growth and sustainability of credit unions through projects that improve technology adoption, operational efficiency, and innovation.
“We are grateful for the opportunity for this grant and for the support provided to homeless youth through our partnership with Vita Nova Inc.,” said Jesus Carlo, Branch Manager of Guardians Credit Unions. “The grant program has been instrumental in enabling us to make a meaningful impact.”
The Professional Development Grants, available year-round, support credit union professionals seeking to grow their skills and advance their careers. These grants cover tuition or registration fees and may also include a portion of travel costs for approved programs. Awards are given to individuals who best exemplify the credit union philosophy and whose participation in training opportunities will further the mission and values of the credit union movement.