While many New Yorkers continue to face financial challenges due to the pandemic and current economy, credit unions are reminded that they can seek support to assist financially at-risk individuals in their communities.
As part of its mission to foster the financial independence of New Yorkers through credit unions, the New York Credit Union Foundation provides support to credit unions offering programs and services that assist New Yorkers through financial literacy and outreach efforts.
The Foundation’s Smart Money Grant program provides credit unions with opportunities to assist in reaching and educating emerging markets, as well as assisting individuals and families of low and/or modest means.
Smart Money Grants may be used for a variety of projects including, but not limited to:
- youth or adult financial education programs;
- homeownership programs or services;
- financial counseling;
- savings and wealth building initiatives;
- providing the “unbanked” with access to financial services and EITC tax preparation; and
- assisting credit unions in reaching underserved or emerging markets, including youth, older Americans and immigrant populations.
Grants range from $500 to $3,500, and all federally and state-chartered credit unions located in New York State are eligible to apply. Learn more about Smart Money Grants and apply on the Foundation website.