Professional Development Grant

Professional Development Grant is sponsored by Minnesota Credit Union Foundation. Supports credit union staff and volunteers in Minnesota with education and training to sustain the credit union movement.

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The grant applications open in the fall on an annual basis – with awards for programing the following year. Grants may be awarded by special request throughout the rest of the year on a first-come, first-served basis. 2027 Grant applications are open Oct.

5-Nov. 13, 2026. Please see important updates below.

Reach out to [email protected] with questions or special requests. 2026 Professional Development Grant Reimbursement Requests To request reimbursement for your awarded grant, complete the 2026 Professional Development Grant Report Form within one month of completing your session, and no later than January 31, 2027 .

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 box on the right side of the screen labeled Professional Development Grant Report Form. Complete the form.

Make sure to mark it Final once complete and submit. Reimbursement will be issued by check to your credit union.

​ 2027 ​Updates to Individual Grant Opportunities The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation is excited to offer updated individual grant opportunities designed to make it easier for credit union professionals, directors, committee members, volunteers, and emerging leaders to access meaningful education, training, and credit union philosophy-focused learning experiences. Please see important changes below. Grant applications are open Oct.

5-Nov. 13, 2026. Beginning with the 2027 grant cycle, applicants will see two clear individual grant categories: the streamlined Professional Development Grant and the new Credit Union Philosophy in Action Grant .

Together, these categories provide more flexibility, clearer funding guidance, and a more straightforward application experience. The Foundation has combined the Small Credit Union Professional Development Grant, Other Professional Development Grant, GAC Scholarship, and Finance & Audit Professionals Grant into one Professional Development Grant category .

This updated approach expands eligible professional development opportunities and allows applicants to request support for the education and training that best aligns with their role, goals, and credit union’s needs. The Foundation is also creating a new Credit Union Philosophy in Action Grant for individuals.

This category will support programs with a strong long-term impact on the credit union movement, including CUDE, FiCEP or advanced CCUFC certifications, and other aligned opportunities such as additional Development Educator designations or World Council programs.

This new category gives applicants a dedicated pathway to pursue education that deepens their understanding of credit union values, strengthens member and community impact, and helps bring the credit union philosophy to life within their organizations.

​If you previously applied for a Small Credit Union Professional Development Grant, GAC Scholarship, Finance & Audit Professionals Grant, Other Professional Development Grant, CUDE Scholarship, or FiCEP Scholarship, you will now apply through one of two individual grant categories: Professional Development or Credit Union Philosophy in Action.

The Foundation’s goal is to make the process easier to understand while preserving support for the learning opportunities that strengthen Minnesota’s credit unions and advance the credit union movement.

Professional Development Grant Eligible Uses MnCUN conferences and major events Leadership development programs Industry schools, conferences, and training opportunities Professional certifications Advocacy training, including GAC Volunteer and director education Executive development programs Webinar programs or series ​Credit Union Philosophy in Action Grant Eligible Uses Credit Union Development Educator designation FiCEP or advanced CCUFC certifications Additional Development Educator designations World Council of Credit Unions programs Other aligned philosophy programs build deeper knowledge of the credit union difference and create lasting value for credit unions, members, and communities.

Applicants may submit one application per individual grant category during the open application period, allowing them to request support for professional development and credit union philosophy-focused learning when both align with their goals. Note application does not guarantee approval. Awards will be based on the quality of the application and available funding.

Ready to take the next step in your professional growth? Review the eligibility requirements and funding limits below, choose the individual grant category that best fits your goals, and submit your application through the Foundation Grant Portal during the open application period (coming soon!) Still have questions?

See our Individual Grant FAQ page . Individual Grant Eligibility Requirements Applicant must be a director of, serving on a committee of, or employed by the same Minnesota Credit Union Network affiliated credit union listed on the application at the time the grant is used. Applications must be completed in full and received by the published deadline.

After this date, applications may be considered if funds are available on a case-by-case basis. Recipient’s credit union will be reimbursed after the course/program is successfully completed and grant reimbursement request form submitted. Recipient must use the grant during the year and purpose stated on the application.

Professional Development Grant Application Portal The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation offers several grants directed towards credit union projects that align with the Foundation's mission. ​Small Credit Union Technology Assistance Grant The intention of this grant program is to provide funding to help small credit unions best serve their members and to help the credit union thrive and grow.

The focus of these grants are technology needs, not for capital equipment or operations. Credit unions may apply for one Small Credit Union Technology Assistance grant per year. There is no application deadline; requests are accepted throughout the year.

Technology Needs: hardware and software, apps, upgrade, replace and repair critical equipment/platforms Member Access Services: mobile banking, texting, etc. Online Services: new/upgraded website, new or enhanced features to reduce fraud Minnesota Credit Union Network members with assets of less than $100 million Stated goal of the funded project must address a primary challenge of the credit union Foundation does not fund capital projects, operating expenses, staff time, dues, and regulatory fees Small Credit Union Assistance grants will be a maximum of $10,000 or 50% of the total project cost, whichever is less.

Grantees must submit a Final Progress Report at the end of the project which is supplied by the Foundation. Success measurements will be based on stated project goals and outcomes to the credit union and/or its members. Grantees must submit a copy of paid invoice(s) relating to this project with the Final Progress Report.

Grant amount will be reimbursed to the credit union following receipt of the report. Small Credit Union Technology Assistance Grant Application Financial Inclusion Grant MnCUF’s Financial Inclusion Grant is intended to support credit unions’ implementation of projects that support Financial Inclusion efforts at their credit union.

The application period is open so that credit unions may apply for funding at any time throughout the year. The Foundation Board will act on applications at their regularly scheduled Board meetings.

Eligible initiatives may include (but not limited to) projects in the following areas: Partnering with Coopera or other organization for demographic analysis of membership CDFI certification support from Inclusiv or other organization Internal credit union staff training Efforts to reach and/or serve underserved populations in community ​Grant guidelines and restrictions: Funding must be deployed for the stated grant purpose within one year of receipt, unless recipient receives a written extension from the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation.

Any funds unused in the completion of your project must be returned to the Foundation. Minnesota credit unions may partner with non-credit union organizations for grant funding, so long as the project demonstrates a positive impact on a credit union’s community. Grant application must be made by the credit union.

Grants may not be used for salaries, pass-through funding, incentive payments, meals/refreshments, or promotional products (i.e.: imprinted trinkets, giveaways, etc.) With questions, please contact the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation . Financial Inclusion Grant Application ​Financial Education Grants MnCUF Financial Education Grants support credit unions’ implementation of financial education projects.

Applications are evaluated by the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation Board of Directors and evaluated on factors such as credit union value, community impact, collaboration and creativity. The application period is open so that credit unions may now apply for funding at any time throughout the year.

Financial education initiatives may include projects in the following areas: Community financial capability outreach programs Financial education curriculum Financial experiential learning programs – such as reality fairs, in-school branches, etc. Grant guidelines and restrictions: Funding must be deployed for the stated grant purpose within one year of receipt, unless recipient receives a written extension from the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation.

Any funds unused in the completion of your project must be returned to the Foundation. Minnesota credit unions may partner with non-credit union organizations for grant funding, so long as the project demonstrates a positive impact on a credit union’s community.

Grants may not be used for salaries, pass-through funding, incentive payments, meals/refreshments, or promotional products (i.e.: imprinted trinkets, giveaways, etc.) Repeated requests from previous grant recipients will be permitted, however, new project grant applicants will receive priority. With questions, please contact the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation .

Financial Education Grant application Request login credentials 555 Wabasha Street North, Suite 200 | Saint Paul, MN 55102 [email protected] | P rivacy Notice If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website email [email protected] for assistance.