MADISON, Wis.–Credit union organizations can now apply for a Biz Kid$ Financial Education Grant from the National Credit Union Foundation through March 31. The Foundation said it is looking to distribute up to $75,000 in grant funds to credit union organizations as part of this effort.
“We are honored to offer these Biz Kid$ grants as they provide an amazing opportunity for credit unions to make an impact in their communities,” said Danielle Brown, the Foundation’s Director of Development & Donor Relations. “Each year we offer these grants, credit union organizations get more creative with how they implement the Biz Kid$ program. I cannot wait to see what the future grantees come up with this year to improve youth financial literacy.”
The application can be found here or by visiting ncuf.coop/bkgrants.
The Foundation noted it has been highlighting Biz Kid$ grantees that have been leveraging Biz Kid$ and its curriculum to build students financial literacy and economic education skills. According to the NCUF, some examples include:
- North Star Community Credit Union using Biz Kid$ in their Seeds-2-$ave Program to assist students in the learning of supply, demand, and entrepreneurship for their produce business.
- American Heritage FCU hosting 500 students at their main branch for education on credit unions and used Biz Kid$ to teach lessons in financial education.
- BayPort Credit Union creating an Early Entrepreneurship Club to encourage middle-school aged students to create their own business, using concepts learned through the Biz Kid$ program.
The Foundation said Biz Kid$ Financial Education Grants may be used to fund innovative programs that improve the financial education of youth through the use of the Biz Kid$ program. Projects may engage teachers, students, education leaders, local PBS stations, or community stakeholders through events, activities, and/or curriculum distribution. Each project should create innovative and engaging activities incorporating Biz Kid$ materials. Funds may not be used as a cash donation to a third party, the NCUF said.
For additional questions, Danielle Brown can be contacted at (608) 556-2406 or dbrown@ncuf.coop.