Credit unions across New York are improving their communities and empowering people of all ages to become financially independent. And every step of the way, the New York Credit Union Foundation is supporting them.

To achieve its mission of “positively impacting New Yorkers through credit unions,” the Foundation provides financial support through its grant programs and, as a result of the leadership of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, the Foundation’s grant programs have been redesigned for 2023 to better meet the evolving needs of the New York credit union community.

The popular Professional Development grant program and disaster relief grants will continue, while the Small Credit Union and SMART Money grant programs are being consolidated to form the IMPACT grant program to better benefit credit unions. In addition, grant limits have been increased and the grant programs will now be available to all credit unions equally, regardless of asset size.

Demonstrating need will continue to be a requirement of all grant programs. Further details outlining the 2023 revamped grant programs are outlined below.

Professional Development Grants
Professional Development Grants enable credit union employees and volunteers to attend education and training programs offered by the New York Credit Union Association and other credit union system organizations. Grant limit is $2,500 per calendar year, per credit union.

IMPACT Grants
IMPACT Grants help fund credit union efforts in a variety of areas such as technology enhancements, security upgrades, consulting services such as strategic planning and efforts to support emerging and underrepresented markets, including youth, older Americans, immigrant populations and people of low or modest means. Grant limit is $5,000 per calendar year, per credit union.

Disaster Relief Grants
Disaster Relief Grants are awarded to credit unions, employees, volunteers and members who have been impacted by unforeseen disasters.  This grant program is enacted on an emergency or as as-needed basis.  In recent years, hundreds of credit unions and individuals have used these grants to help rebuild after natural disasters.

Each grant the Foundation provides helps strengthen the entire New York credit union community. When you support the Foundation, you’re doing much more than donating to a charity. You’re investing in credit unions, their members and the powerful legacy of “people helping people.”

For more information about Foundation grant programs or to make a donation, please visit the New York Credit Union Foundation website.