Strengthening The Communities We Serve Mini-Grants

The County Federal Credit Union, a long-standing financial institution with a history spanning 70 years as of 2026, has launched a special grant initiative titled "Strengthening The Communities We Serve." This program is part of the Credit Union’s broader commitment to celebrate its anniversary by deepening its support for local communities. The initiative aligns with the Credit Union’s mission to operate under the core philosophy of "People helping people" by empowering local nonprofits to advance projects that foster meaningful community development. Beginning in February 2026, the Credit Union will award mini-grants of $2,600 every other month to nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a clear commitment to service and community betterment. The focus of the funding is to support specific items or initiatives that generate a positive impact. Importantly, these grants are not intended to cover general operating expenses, but rather to finance targeted efforts or procurements that align with the mission of the applicant organization and serve the broader community in a tangible way. Nonprofit organizations applying for the mini-grant must propose a specific use for the funding and ensure that their request falls within the parameters set by the Credit Union. Only one application per organization will be accepted, and duplicate or operational funding requests will not be considered. This restriction ensures a fair distribution of funds and encourages thoughtful, focused proposals. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Submissions are reviewed by a designated selection committee at regular intervals, with awards announced every two months beginning in February. While specific deadlines for individual review cycles are not published, the program operates continuously, and applications are kept on file until the end of the annual grant cycle. This structure allows nonprofits multiple opportunities for consideration within a calendar year. Organizations are informed of their selection via the contact information provided in their application. Although the specific criteria used by the selection committee are not disclosed, the emphasis on community benefit and alignment with the credit union’s mission suggests that proposals will be evaluated based on clarity, potential impact, and alignment with the funder’s values. This mini-grant program represents an accessible funding opportunity for grassroots and mid-size nonprofits operating within the local service area of The County Federal Credit Union. By supporting local projects on a recurring basis, the program aims to create a ripple effect of positive change throughout the communities served by the Credit Union.