New guidelines: inclusion and financial education grants
Published by: Heather Winner
January 22, 2025 | Ohio Credit Union Foundation
The Foundation seeks to drive more support to credit unions in their mission to improve the financial well-being of members and their communities. For the upcoming 2025 grant cycle, the Foundation will prioritize funding for credit unions or Credit Union Outreach Alliances that complete grant proposals focusing on projects serving individuals and communities in financial distress.
What does this mean for Credit Unions?
Inclusion Grants will fund initiatives to plan for a new program, such as feasibility studies, financial analysis and modeling, policy research and development, project management expenses (staff time), and any other reasonable expenses necessary to develop a comprehensive inclusion project implementation plan. Grant funds can be used to pilot or implement an already-developed product or program.
Who is eligible?
The Foundation will prioritize funding for credit unions or Credit Union Outreach Alliances that complete grant proposals focusing on projects serving individuals and communities in financial distress.
Financial Education Grants will fund initiatives to implement programs that provide financial education to Credit Union communities, members, local schools, or other diverse populations.
Grants can fund the implementation of various financial initiatives, including programs that offer budgeting, saving, investing, credit management, and other essential financial topics to community members; initiatives that collaborate with local schools; or projects aimed at developing or enhancing online resources, apps, or educational websites to reach a broader audience with financial literacy content.
Who is eligible?
These grants enable credit unions or Credit union Outreach Alliances to implement financial education programs to their communities, members, local schools, or other diverse populations.
What are the new grant application deadlines? The new grant application cycle will open in April each year and conclude in October. Grants will be reviewed in June through November.
What will the Foundation be looking for when it considers a grant?
Grants will be awarded based on the following criteria:
- Measurable impact on the community
- Innovation with the potential for replication
- A meaningful contribution by the credit union (direct/indirect resources)
- Sustainability and self-sufficiency of the project
Want to learn more? Join the Ohio Credit Union Foundation team Jan. 28 for a Grant Success Webinar. Our team will cover the updated grant deadlines, funding pillars, and funding considerations. Bring your questions, ideas, and goals for the future of your programs and professional development.
Contact Heather Winner for questions or assistance.
