Florida’s largest credit union announced its foundation will award $3,268,750 in grants for the 2025-2026 school year to support education initiatives across the state, reflecting an increase of 4% over its financial commitment to Florida education for the 2024-2025 school year.

The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, the charitable arm of the $18.8 billion, Tampa, Fla.-based Suncoast Credit Union, said of the more than $3.2 million in grants being awarded, $2,834,750 will benefit K-12 schools statewide, with targeted funding addressing critical needs such as early literacy, chronic absenteeism, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) education, family engagement and classroom innovation. The remaining $434,000 will go to colleges, supporting programs including campus food pantries and scholarships to help combat student food insecurity and advance academic opportunities.

“Suncoast Credit Union is proud to support students, educators and communities across Florida by continuously investing in innovative and impactful educational initiatives,” Suncoast President/CEO Kevin Johnson said. “By advancing and supporting education, we help build stronger, more vibrant and prosperous communities where opportunities can grow and thrive.”

Breaking down the specific targets of the more than $3.2 million in grants further, Suncoast is planning the following county-specific investments:

  • $544,100 in Lee County towards a new childcare center for educators;
  • Over $527,500 in Hillsborough County to tackle attendance issues, expand early literacy, and support teacher and administrator development initiatives;
  • Funds for a mobile podcast studio to highlight student and community partnerships in Pasco County;
  • Funds to strengthen emergency preparedness by providing additional automated external defibrillators with training for schools in Charlotte County;
  • Nearly $220,000 in grants to support Collier County’s Champions for Learning scholarship program and education initiatives; and
  • $75,000 in STEM classroom grants and family literacy partnerships in Pinellas County.

Since 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has invested more than $55 million in education and youth well-being programs. The Foundation is funded with four cents each time a Suncoast member uses their debit or credit card. Grants are awarded exclusively to tax-exempt organizations within the credit union’s service areas that demonstrate measurable impact on education, health and emotional well-being of children.

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