Community Investment Program (Community Grants)

Community Investment Program

Coast Central Credit Union's Community Investment Program provides grants to support local nonprofit organizations throughout Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties in California.

Background: The program was created in 2008 and has awarded over $2 million to more than 200 organizations as of 2023. The Board of Directors approved an increase to up to $300,000 in grants annually, with $150,000 available per round.

Geographic Scope: Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties, California

Award Amount: Generally $3,000 to a maximum of $25,000 per grant. Typically 8-12 recipients per round.

Annual Funding: Up to $300,000 annually ($150,000 per semi-annual round)

Focus Areas: Recent recipients have supported:

• Emergency response and rescue services (fire departments, ambulance services)
• Homeless services and affordable housing
• Youth programs and education
• Senior services
• Environmental initiatives
• Healthcare and medical support
• Community centers and recreation
• Food security
• Domestic violence support
• Animal rescue

Eligibility:

• Nonprofit organizations serving Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties
• Must be supporting local communities within the credit union's service area

Application Rounds:

• Spring Round: Opens February 1
• Fall Round: Opens August 1

Contact Information:

• VP Marketing & Communications: Colleen Toste
• Phone: (707) 445-8801 ext. 1309
• Email: ctoste@coastccu.org
• Mailing Address: Coast Central Credit Union Marketing Department, 2650 Harrison Ave., Eureka, CA 95501
• Website: coastccu.org/community/community-giving

Application Process

Submission Method:

• Applications submitted directly to Coast Central Credit Union via:
  • Email: marketing@coastccu.org
  • Mail: Coast Central Credit Union Marketing Department, 2650 Harrison Ave., Eureka, CA 95501

Spring Round:

1. Applications open February 1
2. Deadline: 5 pm on the last Tuesday of February (e.g., February 28)
3. Applications reviewed by committee of credit union staff
4. Recommendations made to Board of Directors
5. Board decisions announced by late April

Fall Round:

1. Applications open August 1
2. Deadline: 5 pm on Thursday, August 31
3. Committee review of applications
4. Board recommendations and approvals
5. Recipients announced mid-October

Required Information:

• Nonprofit organization details
• Project/funding request description
• Specific use of funds
• Impact and community benefit

Selection Criteria:

• Community need and impact
• Organization's ability to execute the project
• Alignment with credit union values
• Geographic distribution across tri-county area

For More Information:

• Contact VP Marketing & Communications Colleen Toste at (707) 445-8801 x 1309 or ctoste@coastccu.org
• Visit coastccu.org/community/community-giving