At-Risk Youth Financial Well-Being Grant
Program support for credit unions advancing financial well-being for at-risk youth
The opportunity
The National Credit Union Foundation has $500,000 available in grant funding to support credit unions implementing or expanding financial well-being programs for at-risk youth.
Building on lessons learned from the Foundation’s Foster Youth Financial Literacy Grant, this expanded focus on at-risk youth allows credit unions greater flexibility to serve vulnerable young people in their communities while addressing shared root causes of financial instability. This funding opportunity is open to credit unions of any asset size that demonstrate readiness to serve at-risk youth through tailored financial education, trusted community partnerships, and accessible products and services.
Individual grant awards will generally be awarded up to $25,000 per organization. Applicants may request a larger award if they provide a strong application and a compelling justification for additional funding. Award amounts and the total number of grantees will ultimately be determined by the strength of each applicant’s case and the availability of funding.
The At-Risk Youth Financial Well-Being Grant seeks to equip credit unions to:
- Deliver financial education tailored to the unique needs of at-risk youth, including budgeting, credit, and banking basics
- Measure changes in financial knowledge, confidence, and resilience following program participation
- Forge partnerships with schools, social service agencies, juvenile justice programs, and community organizations to improve access and trust
- Create or adapt account products and services for youth who may lack traditional parental or guardian support
- Generate member stories and insights that strengthen advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels
We’ll also be hosting an informational webinar on May 27 to walk through the opportunity, answer questions, and help you get prepared to apply.
As part of the application process, credit unions must submit a project plan that:
- Describes the target at-risk youth population and community need
- Outlines the proposed financial education approach and delivery method
- Identifies key community partners and their roles
- Provides a timeline for implementation
- Defines success metrics and anticipated outcomes
- The Foundation reserves the right to request additional information regarding an applicant’s insurance coverage, regulatory status, or financial condition as part of the review process
The Foundation will evaluate the impact of this grant using a combination of qualitative and quantitative measures, including:
- Full and appropriate use of grant funds
- Successful launch and execution of proposed programs
- Number of at-risk youth served
- Evidence of improved financial knowledge, confidence, or access to financial services
- Credit union commitment to sustaining or evolving programs beyond the grant period
- Member and community stories highlighting impact
Sharing the journey story
Grant recipients are expected to document their journey in planning, launching, and refining programs for at-risk youth. Reporting and storytelling requirements will be included in the grant agreement.
Applications will close in June and grantees will be selected and notified by August. The grant period will begin in September and work must be completed by September 30, 2027.
Informational webinar: May 27, 2026
Application deadline: June 26, 2026
Notification of grant recipients: August 2026
Grant period begins: September 30, 2026
Grant period ends: September 30, 2027
Final report due: September 30, 2027
Applicants must complete the online application form linked below and provide all requested materials. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Complete the online application
The deadline for applications is close of business on June 26, 2026.
Credit unions are building new partnerships, rethinking access, and creating pathways to financial well-being for young people who have historically been left out of the financial system. In some cases, it starts with a single idea. In others, it scales into long-term strategies that reshape how credit unions serve their communities. These stories show what’s possible when financial well-being is built for real life and what happens when credit unions are given the space to test, learn, and lead.
Questions
If you have questions while preparing your application, please contact Christine Hickey, Financial Health Program Senior Manager.
Disclosures
The Foundation will review applications based on alignment with grant objectives, feasibility, organizational readiness, and potential for impact. The Foundation may request clarification or additional information during the review process.
The Foundation reserves the right to accept or reject any or all applications received.