Grants

Eligible Applicants:

• Nonprofit organizations, community groups, or registered charities.
• Occasionally, individuals with community-based projects may be considered.
• Individual grant requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Current PFCU Employees, Board of Directors and Audit Committee Members are NOT eligible for PFCU Foundation grants.

Geographical Scope:

• Projects must be in or serve the areas in which PFCU Credit Union operates.

Grant Requirements:

• Must demonstrate clear community benefits.
• Include a well-defined plan with measurable outcomes.
• Projects that can show sustainability beyond the grant period are preferred.

Submission of Application:

Complete the available online application form. All applications must be submit online, however, if you have need for a paper application for any reason please email pfcufoundation@pfcu4me.com directly. 

• Submit the application along with all required documents by the stated deadline.

Application must include:

• Organization name, address, phone, fax & email address(if available).
• Project/Initiative name.
• Amount being requested.

Required Documentation

• Completed Application Form.
• Letter of Support (When submitting application as an individual).
• Any additional documentation that will strengthen application or show community benefit.
• Proof of nonprofit status (e.g., 501(c)(3) determination letter) (if applying under a nonprofit status).
• Provide a budget overview (if applicable to your type of grant application).

Statement of Intent

The SOI should briefly describe the project or initiative for which your organization seeks funding, its tangible outcomes and how it will positively impact the community at large and the grant amount you are seeking from the Foundation. The Foundation prefers to provide support for specific projects but on occasion will provide funding for general operations.

The Statement of Intent should include: 

• General information about the organization.
• Which of the PFCU Foundation pillars the project/initiative/request addresses
• Explanation of the problem the program/project/initiative/request will address and how it will impact the community.
• Requested grant amount.
• Please include other solicited funds and their funding amounts if applicable.

Confirmation:

You will receive a confirmation email upon successful submission of your application. Please refer to the Grant Cycle information for important follow-up dates. 

The PFCU Foundation for Our Communities is a source of grants to promote the betterment of all our communities. Some of the criteria for our PFCU Foundation for Our Communities include:

• Will consider organizations that meet the IRS guidelines for non-profit organizations (i.e. 501(c)(3)).
• Must serve a need within PFCU Credit Union’s field of membership.
• Supports charitable purposes which further the betterment of the communities served by PFCU Credit Union.
• Consideration given to entity/member request with established relationship with PFCU Credit Union.

The Foundation generally WILL NOT consider grants to:

• For-profit organizations
• Directly or indirectly Political parties, organizations or activities
• Individuals (excluding scholarships) all other individual requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Religious organizations for religious (denominational) purposes
• Student group trips.
• Projects that may result in undue personal benefit to a member of the PFCU Foundation board or to any PFCU Credit Union Employee, Board of Directors or Audit Committee Members.
• Funds cannot be used for current general operating or maintenance expenses.

Initial Review:

• Applications will be screened to ensure all required documentation is complete.
• All applications must be completed online.

Evaluation Criteria:

• Alignment with the foundation’s mission.
• Clarity, feasibility, and impact of the proposed project.
• Organizational capacity to manage and implement the project.

Selection Panel:

• A review committee will be established by the PFCU Foundation Board to evaluate applications.

Notification:

• Please refer to the grant cycle information on the website for important follow-up dates. Successful applicants will be contacted to discuss the next steps.
• The PFCU Foundation review committee will not provide ongoing status notifications. All applicants will be notified by dates indicated within the grant cycle information.

Use of Funds:

• Funds must be used solely for the approved project activities.
• To receive awarded funds as an individual, you must sign up for a PFCU Credit Union membership before funds are distributed.
• The Foundation’s will award grants of varying amounts based upon request and need.  The Foundation rarely funds multi-year grants.
• Grantees must possess the resources to properly administer grants from the Foundation. Grantees will be asked to agree to any reporting requirements throughout the course of the grant and to provide results of how funds were used.

Compliance:

• Recipients must comply with all local, state, and federal regulations.

Non-Renewable Grants:

• Funding is provided as a one-time grant unless otherwise stated.

The purpose of the $1,000 McCrumb Scholarship is to recognize and encourage scholastic achievement, community involvement, and excellent character.

Requirements to qualify for scholarship:  

1. Must be a high school or home-schooled senior for the class of 2025.
2. Must be a member, in good standing, of PFCU Credit Union.
3. Must enroll in an accredited university, vocational or technical college in the fall of 2025 following graduation.
4. Must disclose GPA on application.

Criteria for awarding the scholarship by the McCrumb Scholarship Committee at PFCU:

1. Citizenship - The recipient must have a good citizenship record, such as outside work activity advantageous to their church, family or community.
2. Attitude - The student’s attitude must be that which, in the consideration and opinion of the committee, will make additional education or training beneficial to him/her in the community which the student will reside.
3. Economics - The financial situation of the student shall be taken into consideration by the committee as to whether or not the applicant needs the funds. Students who will be working or repaying a large part of their education funding are encouraged to apply.

Details of Scholarship:

1. Scholarship applications will be accepted March 1, 2025 – April 30, 2025.
2. The amount awarded for the McCrumb Scholarship is $1,000.00 for each scholarship recipient.
3. Payment will be made in check form and payable to the scholarship recipient to use towards future schooling.
4. The scholarship must be used within one year after the date it is awarded.

Apply Online

Please email us at pfcufoundation@pfcu4me.com or call (844) 517-3611 ext. 1130 with any questions.

This scholarship is dedicated to supporting individuals who are returning to education to pursue new opportunities, change careers or advance their skills. Whether you’re a working professional seeking a fresh start, a parent balancing education with family responsibilities or just looking to gain new skills, this scholarship is designed to help you achieve your goals.

Requirements to qualify for scholarship:  

1. Age Requirement – Must be at least 18 years old (or high school graduate/equivalent).
2. Residency Requirement – Must live within the PFCU Credit Union Field of Membership
3. Non-Traditional Student Status – Open to career changers, returning students, or individuals entering the trades at different life stages.
4. Must be a member, in good standing, of PFCU Credit Union .

Application Requirements:

1. Personal Statement – A short essay (minimum of 250 words) on the following question:
   • Why do you think you are a good candidate to receive this scholarship?
2. Proof of Enrollment – Acceptance letter or enrollment verification from a trade school or training program.
3. Resume (if applicable) – Detailing work history, volunteer experience, or previous education.
4. Letters of Recommendation – At least one recommendation from an employer, instructor, mentor, or industry professional.
5. Community or Industry Involvement (Optional) – Participation in apprenticeships, internships, or community service related to the trades.

Details of Scholarship:

1. Scholarship applications will be accepted March 1, 2025 – April 30, 2025.
2. The amount awarded for the Lifelong Learner Scholarship will vary for each scholarship recipient depending on need. An individual awarded scholarship will not exceed $5,000.
3. Payment will be made in check form and payable to the scholarship recipient to use towards future education.
4. The scholarship must be used within one year after the date it is awarded.

Apply Online

Please email us at pfcufoundation@pfcu4me.com or call (844) 517-3611 ext. 1130 with any questions.

This scholarship supports individuals who are pursuing careers in the skilled trades. We recognize the vital role that skilled trades play in our communities and economy, and we are committed to empowering hardworking individuals who are looking to seeking a future in these technical trades.

Requirements to qualify for scholarship:  

1. Pursuing a Skilled Trade – Applicant must be enrolled in or accepted to a vocational, technical, or trade school program related to skilled trades (e.g., welding, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, automotive repair).
2. Age Requirement –must be at least 18 years old (or high school graduate/equivalent).
3. Residency Requirement – Must live within the PFCU Credit Union Field of Membership
4. Must be a member, in good standing, of PFCU Credit Union .

Application Requirements:

1. Personal Statement – A short essay (minimum of 250 words) on the following question:
   • Why do you think you are a good candidate to receive this scholarship?
2. Proof of Enrollment – Acceptance letter or enrollment verification from a trade school or training program.
3. Resume (if applicable) – Detailing work history, volunteer experience, or previous education.
4. Letters of Recommendation – At least one recommendation from an employer, instructor, mentor, or industry professional.
5. Community or Industry Involvement (Optional) – Participation in apprenticeships, internships, or community service related to the trades.

Details of Scholarship:

1. Scholarship applications will be accepted March 1, 2025 – April 30, 2025.
2. The amount awarded for the Skilled Scholarship will vary for each scholarship recipient depending on need. An individual awarded scholarship amount will not exceed $5,000.
3. Payment will be made in check form and payable to the scholarship recipient to use towards future education.
4. The scholarship must be used within one year after the date it is awarded.

Apply Online

Please email us at pfcufoundation@pfcu4me.com or call (844) 517-3611 ext. 1130 with any questions.