The Michigan Credit Union Foundation supports credit unions efforts to reach underserved and underrepresented communities in Michigan that struggle to be served by traditional financial services. In 2025, the Inclusion Fund Grant was introduced to connect credit unions with resources that are offered by Coopera Consulting to implement programs and services for multi-cultural markets.

The funds from this grant are applied to the cost of using Coopera Consulting for market analysis, strategic development, improving business practices, and more. The ideal credit union will have the capacity to implement recommendations made by Coopera Consulting, invest in their community, track progress, manage a multi-year project, and add recommendations from Coopera to their strategic plan. Additionally, the credit union should have the staff capacity to ensure success.

Applications will be evaluated based on the information provided. Funding will be awarded based on the fit of the proposed activities within the goals and objectives listed above, as well as the availability of support funding.

Credit unions with assets of $500M-$750M can receive a maximum of 80% of total Coopera costs, not to exceed more than $7,000.

Credit unions with assets of $499 and less can receive a maximum of 90% of the total Coopera costs, not to exceed $9,000.

Please respond to the following questions. Responses to all questions required. Please respond in essay format.

Question 1:

Explain why the credit union is requesting this grant. What outcomes do you hope to achieve, and how are you expecting this program to improve the lives of your current and future members?

Question 2:

How does your credit union currently assess the alignment between your products and services and the financial needs and financial health of the communities that it serves? Specifically, how, and what does your credit union measure and document regarding improvements in current member and potential member financial health?

Question 3:

When considering your employee’s financial needs and financial health, how does your credit union currently assess the alignment between your products and services? Does your credit union measure and document improvements in employee financial health, and if so, how?

Question 4:

Has the credit union previously partnered with a company, fintech, or other provider to use tools to evaluate employee or member financial health and well-being? If so, who and what was/were the project(s)?

Question 5:

What financial and/or human resources is the credit union investing in this project?

Question 6:

How will the project or program be maintained/supported at the conclusion of the funding cycle?

Agreement with Support Funding Terms

Reporting and Sharing Support Activity Information:

Credit union name may be listed on the websites and in communications of the Michigan Credit Union Foundation (MCUF) and the Michigan Credit Union League & Affiliates (MCUL).

Recipient will provide periodic progress reports as requested detailing activity progress and how the support funds impacted new programs or services.

Use of Support Funds

Support funds will be used to pay Coopera Consulting directly, on behalf of the participating credit union.

MCUF Recognition and Participation

In any/all press releases, new stories, articles, web site references, or other promotions about the MCUF funded project activity, the Michigan Credit Union Foundation will be mentioned as having provided support funding. Copies of such materials will be shared with MCUF.

Please contact MCUF Executive Director, Andrea Tucker, at andrea.tucker@mcul.org with questions about this application form.