Cornerstone credit unions of any asset size in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, and credit unions of asset sizes above $100M in Kansas and Missouri may apply for one Professional Development Grant annually.
Credit unions below $100M in Kansas and Missouri: please see the opportunity below for Professional Development Scholarships.
Deadlines
The Professional Development Grant application deadline for 2023 has passed. Please check back later for information regarding deadlines for 2024.
What's Covered
Grant applications may be submitted for the following Professional Development options:
Training Calendar for CU Staff and Volunteers
The Training Calendar may include a request for one or more training or educational events. Various individuals from the credit union may attend different events. The Professional Development Grant assists with registration fees, lodging,
and travel necessary to attend one or more of the approved events on the training calendar. The credit union is awarded one grant to cover expenses for the submitted training calendar. The credit union may prioritize how funds are spent, but only
on training opportunities submitted with the original grant application.
Funding is awarded based on financial need and the dollars available. Partial grants may be awarded. These grants must be used in the calendar year they are awarded. Upon receipt of expenses and required grant impact report, grant funds will be issued
to the credit union as reimbursement. Acknowledgement of grant to full credit union staff and board in addition to public recognition on credit union’s social media is recommended as part of grant guidelines. However, it is not required for reimbursement of the grant.
What's Not Covered
The Cornerstone Foundation DOES NOT offer grants for the following training or activities:
- meals/dining
- alcohol or entertainment expenses
- higher education purposes such as university, college, or trade school
- any political engagement such as state and national GAC or congressional caucus, or travel outside the continental US
The Southwest CUNA Management School (SCMS) scholarships and the application process are separate from the Professional Development Grant or Scholarships (see below). All credit unions are eligible for SCMS Scholarships regardless of other grants
or scholarships received.