The National Credit Union Foundation has opened a $500,000 grant program to support credit unions working with at-risk youth.
The At-Risk Youth Financial Well-Being Grant will provide awards of up to $25,000, with about 20 credit unions expected to receive funding. Applications are open through June 26.
The program focuses on young people facing housing instability, involvement in the justice system and disruptions in education. According to the Foundation, barriers such as inconsistent guardianship, identification requirements and mistrust of financial institutions can prevent youth from opening accounts, building credit or developing basic financial skills. This year's grant expanded on the Foundation's 2025 focus on foster youth, broadening eligibility to reach a wider group of at-risk young people.
"Credit unions are uniquely positioned to meet people where they are and walk alongside them on their financial well-being journey," Lauren Culp, executive director of the National Credit Union Foundation, said. "Through this grant, we're investing in the partnerships, products and programs that help young people build confidence, discover access and establish long-term resilience by working with and through credit unions to bring our mission to life."
The grant is open to credit unions of all asset sizes that can demonstrate readiness to deliver financial education tailored to real-life needs, build partnerships with schools and community organizations and expand access to financial products for youth with limited support systems. Participating credit unions are also expected to track changes in financial knowledge and confidence and share insights that can inform broader advocacy efforts. Credit unions that participated in last year's foster youth-focused grants are encouraged to apply again, using their experience to broaden their programs.
The Foundation said its 2024-2025 grant cycle reached more than 2,200 youth, led to the creation of more than 400 savings accounts and supported dozens of financial education programs, demonstrating the impact of the grant program.
One participant, Colorado Credit Union ($431 million, Littleton, Colo.), used grant funding to build partnerships with local organizations and deliver ongoing financial well-being programming, an effort that is now expanding.
The Foundation will host an informational webinar on May 27 covering eligibility requirements, application details and guidance on submitting a strong proposal. Additional information and application materials are available on its website.
Joyce Moed can be reached at joyce.moed@arc-network.com.
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