Veridian Credit Union’s Successful Financial Future Grants

The Veridian Credit Union’s Successful Financial Future Grants are provided through a partnership between Veridian Credit Union and the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa. These grants are made possible through the Veridian Credit Union Fund of the Foundation and are focused on advancing financial stability for residents across the organization’s service area. Eligible nonprofit organizations may receive general operating grants of up to $5,000 to support their core mission work focused on financial literacy or employment readiness. The program is intended to assist organizations that play a central role in empowering individuals to build more financially secure futures. These grants are not intended for specific projects or short-term programs, but instead support the core operational costs of organizations that are fully dedicated to financial literacy or employment readiness. This core mission must be central to the organization’s purpose and evident across all aspects of service delivery. Programs that only partially include financial education or employment services—or that include these elements as one of many general activities—do not qualify. General mentoring or youth development programs not centered specifically on financial literacy or employability training are also ineligible. Applicants must be recognized as 501(c)(3) public charities and must serve residents in at least one of the following areas: all 99 counties of Iowa, seven designated counties in Nebraska (Cass, Douglas, Lancaster, Sarpy, Saunders, Washington), and eight counties in Minnesota (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Washington, and Wright). Government entities and organizations applying through fiscal sponsorship are not eligible. Similarly, organizations that exist to raise funds for other entities or that require participation in religious activities are excluded from consideration. The 2025 grant cycle opens on September 1, 2025, and applications must be submitted by October 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM through the Foundation’s online grant system. Late or incomplete applications, including those left in draft status, will not be considered. Awards will be announced in early December 2025, and successful grantees are required to submit a final grant report by January 31, 2027. The Foundation strongly recommends that first-time applicants contact Sherita Jenkins at 319-243-1356 or sjenkins@cfneia.org for clarification or assistance in determining alignment with the fund's priorities. Grant applications will be evaluated based on several priority criteria. These include demonstrated effectiveness in delivering financial literacy or employment readiness outcomes, use of evidence-based practices, organizational health, commitment to equity and inclusion, and the ability to collaborate effectively with other organizations. Strong preference will be given to organizations with a history of measurable impact and data-driven decision-making in this space.

Use evidence-based practices; demonstrate track record and organizational health; avoid applying if financial literacy/employment is not central mission.