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Individual Grant
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FAQ: Individual Grant Opportunities
What is changing with the Foundation’s individual grant programs?
The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation is simplifying its individual grant structure into two clear categories: the Professional Development Grant and the Credit Union Philosophy in Action Grant. This makes it easier for applicants to understand where their request fits and how much funding may be available.
What programs are included in the Professional Development Grant?
The Professional Development Grant combines the Small Credit Union Professional Development Grant, Other Professional Development Grant, GAC Scholarship, and Finance & Audit Professionals Grant into one streamlined application category.
What can Professional Development Grant funds be used for?
Funds may support a wide range of individual learning opportunities, including MnCUN conferences, leadership programs, industry schools and conferences, certifications, advocacy training such as GAC, volunteer and director education, executive development, emerging leader training, management schools, and webinar programs or series.
What is the Credit Union Philosophy in Action Grant?
The Credit Union Philosophy in Action Grant is a new individual grant category for programs that deepen understanding of the credit union difference and help participants bring credit union values to life through their work, member service, and community impact.
What programs are eligible under the Credit Union Philosophy in Action Grant?
Eligible uses may include CUDE, FiCEP or advanced CCUFC certifications, additional Development Educator designations, World Council programs, and other aligned opportunities that support credit union philosophy, member impact, and community engagement.
How much funding can each applicant request?
Professional Development Grant funding is based on your credit union’s asset size: up to $3,500 for credit unions under $100 million in assets, up to $2,500 for credit unions between $100 million and $500 million in assets, and up to $1,500 for credit unions over $500 million in assets. Credit Union Philosophy in Action Grants may be requested up to $3,500, with no credit union asset size limit. Note this limit is per individual applicant, not per credit union.
Can I use the Professional Development Grant for more than one program or event?
Yes, so long as the total request is within the funding limit based on your credit union asset size. (For example, you may apply for one Professional Development Grant to attend multiple MnCUN events, or one MnCUN conference plus one webinar series, etc.) Individuals should submit one application and detail the use in the description.
Can someone apply for both individual grant categories?
Yes. Applicants may submit one application per individual grant category during the open application period, provided each request aligns with the purpose and eligible uses of that category.
How do I know which grant category to choose?
Choose the Professional Development Grant for general career, leadership, advocacy, conference, certification, or training opportunities. Choose the Credit Union Philosophy in Action Grant for programs specifically focused on credit union philosophy, the credit union difference, financial counseling, development education, or broader movement impact.
Why did the Foundation make these changes?
The updated structure is intended to reduce confusion, simplify the application process, preserve support for high-impact learning opportunities, and provide applicants with clearer guidance and more flexibility as they plan their professional growth.
Who is eligible to apply for a Professional Development or Philosophy in Action Grant?
Applicant must be a director of, serving on a committee of, or employed by a Minnesota Credit Union Network affiliated credit union. The applicant must be employed or serving at the same credit union listed on the application at the time the grant is used.
If approved, when will I receive the funds?
Recipient’s credit union will be reimbursed after the course/program is successfully completed and grant reimbursement request form submitted.
If I have been approved for multiple events under the Professional Development Grant category, when should I submit my reimbursement request?
If you have been approved for multiple events, submit your reimbursement request after the last event has been completed. You only need to submit one reimbursement request per grant category – Professional Development and Philosophy in Action.
How do I request reimbursement?
Grant Reimbursement Steps:
I missed the open application period; can I still request a grant?
Grants may be awarded by special request throughout the rest of the year on a first-come, first-served basis. Please reach out to [email protected] with questions or special requests.
Back to Grant Description page.
The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation is simplifying its individual grant structure into two clear categories: the Professional Development Grant and the Credit Union Philosophy in Action Grant. This makes it easier for applicants to understand where their request fits and how much funding may be available.
What programs are included in the Professional Development Grant?
The Professional Development Grant combines the Small Credit Union Professional Development Grant, Other Professional Development Grant, GAC Scholarship, and Finance & Audit Professionals Grant into one streamlined application category.
What can Professional Development Grant funds be used for?
Funds may support a wide range of individual learning opportunities, including MnCUN conferences, leadership programs, industry schools and conferences, certifications, advocacy training such as GAC, volunteer and director education, executive development, emerging leader training, management schools, and webinar programs or series.
What is the Credit Union Philosophy in Action Grant?
The Credit Union Philosophy in Action Grant is a new individual grant category for programs that deepen understanding of the credit union difference and help participants bring credit union values to life through their work, member service, and community impact.
What programs are eligible under the Credit Union Philosophy in Action Grant?
Eligible uses may include CUDE, FiCEP or advanced CCUFC certifications, additional Development Educator designations, World Council programs, and other aligned opportunities that support credit union philosophy, member impact, and community engagement.
How much funding can each applicant request?
Professional Development Grant funding is based on your credit union’s asset size: up to $3,500 for credit unions under $100 million in assets, up to $2,500 for credit unions between $100 million and $500 million in assets, and up to $1,500 for credit unions over $500 million in assets. Credit Union Philosophy in Action Grants may be requested up to $3,500, with no credit union asset size limit. Note this limit is per individual applicant, not per credit union.
Can I use the Professional Development Grant for more than one program or event?
Yes, so long as the total request is within the funding limit based on your credit union asset size. (For example, you may apply for one Professional Development Grant to attend multiple MnCUN events, or one MnCUN conference plus one webinar series, etc.) Individuals should submit one application and detail the use in the description.
Can someone apply for both individual grant categories?
Yes. Applicants may submit one application per individual grant category during the open application period, provided each request aligns with the purpose and eligible uses of that category.
How do I know which grant category to choose?
Choose the Professional Development Grant for general career, leadership, advocacy, conference, certification, or training opportunities. Choose the Credit Union Philosophy in Action Grant for programs specifically focused on credit union philosophy, the credit union difference, financial counseling, development education, or broader movement impact.
Why did the Foundation make these changes?
The updated structure is intended to reduce confusion, simplify the application process, preserve support for high-impact learning opportunities, and provide applicants with clearer guidance and more flexibility as they plan their professional growth.
Who is eligible to apply for a Professional Development or Philosophy in Action Grant?
Applicant must be a director of, serving on a committee of, or employed by a Minnesota Credit Union Network affiliated credit union. The applicant must be employed or serving at the same credit union listed on the application at the time the grant is used.
If approved, when will I receive the funds?
Recipient’s credit union will be reimbursed after the course/program is successfully completed and grant reimbursement request form submitted.
If I have been approved for multiple events under the Professional Development Grant category, when should I submit my reimbursement request?
If you have been approved for multiple events, submit your reimbursement request after the last event has been completed. You only need to submit one reimbursement request per grant category – Professional Development and Philosophy in Action.
How do I request reimbursement?
Grant Reimbursement Steps:
- To request reimbursement for your approved grant, access the Professional Development Grant Report form by logging in to the Professional Development Grant Portal, using the same credentials you set up to complete your Application.
- Next, look for the dark blue box under your Submission labeled Professional Development Grant Report Form. (there should be a note in red underneath stating (Not Started))
- Complete the form. Make sure to mark it Final once complete and submit.
- Reimbursement will be issued by check to your credit union. Please allow 3-4 weeks for processing.
I missed the open application period; can I still request a grant?
Grants may be awarded by special request throughout the rest of the year on a first-come, first-served basis. Please reach out to [email protected] with questions or special requests.
Back to Grant Description page.
