Community Development grants

This grant opportunity is intended to support the unique community development needs of credit union members.

Credit unions may apply alone or in conjunction with a nonprofit or other community partner to deliver the programming or events.

DEADLINES:

  • Winter Round – due November 13, 2020 for January 2021 funding
  • Spring Round – due February 5, 2021 for March 2021 funding
  • Summer Round – due April 9, 2021 for May 2021 funding
  • Fall Round – due September 10, 2021 for October 2021 funding

 Want to help?

Donate

How to apply:

  1. Contact Andrea Robinson, arobinson@heartlandcua.org, 913-297-2474, AT LEAST ONE WEEK prior to the submission deadline to discuss your proposed project.  Grant deadlines as follows:
    • Spring Round – Due February 5, 2021 for March 2021 funding
    • Summer Round – Due April 9, 2021 for May 2021 funding
    • Fall Round – Due September 10, 2021 for October 2021 funding
  2. Complete the application below, and indicate the approval of your credit union CEO or manager.
  3. If applicable:
    - Include a letter of support from the partner organization, clearly stating the community need being addressed and how the organization will be an active partner.
    - Attach partner organization’s 501c3 tax-exempt status letter, program materials, and a recent annual report.
  4. Attach a full project budget (expenses and revenue with narrative for line items), amount requested from the Foundation, and how the remaining project revenue will be raised to fully fund the initiative.
  5. Download and fill out the PDF at the bottom of the page, as well as all application information listed above to Andrea Robinson, HCUCF Executive Director, arobinson@heartlandcua.org and copy bfalkenstein@heartlandcua.org. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please phone 913.297.2474 for confirmation.

Eligibility and Requirements

  1. HCUA affiliate members in Missouri and Kansas may apply with or without a nonprofit or other partner organization to deliver community development programs.
  2. School and nonprofit programs interested in this grant opportunity must partner with a credit union and the credit union must submit the application with documented support from the partner organization.
  3. The stated goal of the funded project or event must address the documented community needs of the credit union and their members.
  4. Applications are considered on a rolling basis and deadlines can be found at www.hcucf.org.  A credit union may submit another grant request upon completion of any previous grant-funded project and the submission of a final report.
  5. Eligible projects include (but are not limited to):
    • Education
    • Health and Social services
    • Events or initiatives in partnership with or in support of 501c3 organizations
    • Other community development needs may be presented to the Foundation
  6. Community Development grants award a maximum of $20,000 or 50% of the total project cost, whichever is less. Applicants must invest 50% of the total project cost.
  7. HCUCF staff and a volunteer committee will review applications as they are received, and may approve or deny requests based on policy set forth by the HCUCF Board of Directors. The grants review committee places priority on proposals which:
    • Clearly demonstrate and document the community need to be addressed
    • Launch new programs or expand current programs
    • Have an evaluation plan to measure both individual and community impact
    • Make a lasting impact on the credit union, the movement and/or their community

    • Create opportunities and/or decrease disparities for historically marginalized or disinvested communities, people or groups

  8. Funding is awarded based on demonstrated need, availability of funds and the HCUCF community development budget for each year.
  9. If the grant is approved, the credit union must implement the program and expend grant funds within a 12-month period.
  10. Grant recipients will be required to post and share their projects on CU Social Good (www.cusocialgood.com, a nationwide site that promotes the good work of credit unions) as well as social media outlets linked to HCUA platforms.
  11. A final report must be completed within two weeks of the completion of the grant. Testimonials, video, and success stories are encouraged. Reporting details will be issued with approved grant proposals. 

Apply for Community Development Grant

Fill out all of the application sections in this fillable PDF APPLICATION and send it to arobinson@heartlandcua.org and bfalkenstein@heartlandcua.org along with your grant budget and any other applicable attachments.