California Credit Union Foundation – Community Grant Program (2026)

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Grants Supporting Youth, Education, Financial Literacy, and Military Communities

The California Credit Union Foundation provides charitable grants to nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and community groups working to strengthen communities and improve financial well-being. Funding is centered around four areas: investing in communities and youth, supporting educators and schools, promoting financial literacy, and honoring military service members.

Grant requests are accepted through the Foundation’s online application and reviewed by the California Credit Union Foundation Board.

Organization: California Credit Union Foundation
Support Type: Charitable grants
Geographic Focus: Communities served by California Credit Union
Application Timeline: Rolling / ongoing

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About the Funder

California Credit Union Foundation is the nonprofit philanthropic arm of California Credit Union. The Foundation was established to strengthen the financial well-being of the communities the credit union serves through charitable giving, educational partnerships, sponsorships, in-kind support, and volunteer engagement.

Its community investment strategy is organized around four “Pillars of Empowerment” designed to create long-term community impact.

What This Program Supports

California Credit Union Foundation focuses its grantmaking and community investments in four primary areas:

Investing in Community & Our Youth

The Foundation supports grassroots community organizations and programs that help young people thrive.

Priority activities may include:

Youth development
Literacy
Scholarships
Community-based programs
Programs supporting youth health and well-being
Organizations strengthening local communities

Supporting Educators & Schools

Education has long been a central focus of California Credit Union’s community involvement.

The Foundation supports programs that:

Provide resources to teachers and schools
Strengthen student learning
Support educational institutions
Recognize and invest in educators
Create opportunities for students to succeed

The Foundation also operates separate teacher grant and scholarship programs.

Promoting Financial Literacy

California Credit Union Foundation invests in educational programs that improve financial wellness and build long-term financial empowerment.

Programs may serve both youth and adults and can include:

Financial literacy education
Financial wellness programs
Money management education
Financial capability initiatives
Programs helping individuals build greater financial confidence

Honoring Our Service Members

The Foundation provides strategic grants to organizations and programs supporting:

Active-duty military service members
Veterans
Military families
Programs recognizing and assisting those who have served

Eligible Organizations

To be considered for funding, an organization should:

Have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, or
Be an accredited educational institution, or
Be a recognized community support group positively impacting individuals in the community and aligned with the Foundation’s focus areas

Organizations must also generally have been in operation for at least five years.

Ineligible Requests

California Credit Union Foundation does not provide support for:

Programs, projects, or events benefiting a specific individual, except through its Student Scholarship Program
Political or partisan organizations
For-profit organizations
Religious groups or religion-based organizations
Nonprofit administrative expenses
Nonprofit operating costs

Applicants should therefore structure requests around a clearly defined program, project, or community initiative rather than general operating support.

Funding Amounts

California Credit Union Foundation does not publish a standard grant range for its general community grant program.

The application allows organizations to specify the amount requested and provide an itemized description of how funds would be used.

Grant amounts may vary based on the proposed project, community impact, Foundation priorities, and available funding.

Application Timeline

📅 Application Deadline: No published deadline / rolling
📅 Review: Applications are reviewed by the California Credit Union Foundation Board
📅 Funding Need: Applicants are asked to specify when funds are needed

Organizations with time-sensitive projects should apply well in advance of when funding is required to allow for Foundation review.

Application / Request Process

Organizations can submit funding requests directly through the California Credit Union Foundation’s online application form.

Applicants should be prepared to provide:

Organization name and contact information
Tax identification number
Community or geographic area served
Date the organization was established
Mission statement
Amount requested
Date funds are needed
History of previous California Credit Union or Foundation support
Description of the program, project, or event
Specific examples of how grant funds will be used
Itemized use of funds
Expected community impact
Methods for measuring results
Additional information supporting the request

Because the application specifically asks how impact will be measured, organizations should consider including clear, achievable outcomes and measurable indicators of success.

Apply / Learn More:

➡️ https://www.ccu.com/foundation/california-credit-union-foundation-grant-request/

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This opportunity is a strong fit for established organizations that:

Have operated for at least five years
Serve communities connected to California Credit Union
Support youth and community development
Work with schools, educators, or students
Provide financial literacy or financial wellness programs
Support military members, veterans, or military families
Can identify a specific project or program for funding
Can demonstrate and measure community impact

The program may be particularly appealing to organizations seeking project-specific corporate foundation support rather than unrestricted operating funds.

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

Review Type: Foundation board review
Application Timeline: Rolling / ongoing
Funding Amount: Not publicly specified
Support Type: Project and program funding
Best Suited For: Established nonprofits, educational institutions, and community organizations supporting youth, education, financial literacy, community well-being, or military communities

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California