Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

June 1, 2026

54 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

DCU for Kids Grants Program

Overview: DCU for Kids provides monetary grants to support organizations with deserving causes and charities benefiting children in need, including youth community programs, mentoring and education programs, medical research and support services for basic needs.

Eligibility Requirements

Organizations MUST meet ALL of the following criteria:

  • 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the IRS

  • At least two years old from the Effective Date of Exemption listed on the IRS letter of determination

  • Grant request cannot be more than 20% of the program's operational budget

  • Agree to report back to DCU for Kids on relevant outcomes of funding before additional grants are considered

  • Must meet all grant guideline criteria

  • Applicants may only submit one grant request per calendar year
  • Ineligible Organizations

    DCU for Kids DOES NOT fund:

  • Organizations without 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status

  • Political organizations or candidates for public office

  • Requests that are sensitive, controversial, harmful, or pose potential conflict of interest

  • Labor, social, or fraternal organizations

  • Religious organizations that are denominational or sectarian in purpose

  • Private Foundations (unless operating programming for children in need)

  • For-profit organizations

  • Colleges and universities

  • Organizations that discriminate based on race, religion, age, color, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, or veteran status

  • Organizations outside the United States

  • Event sponsorships (including walks, runs, challenges, school-sponsored events, door prizes, raffles, auction items, school-affiliated orchestras/bands/choirs/drama groups/yearbooks/class parties)

  • Advertising requests

  • Capital campaigns
  • Funding Focus Areas

    1. Youth Community Programming Support

  • After-school and summer programs

  • School readiness programs

  • Enrichment programs for children in need

  • Mentorship programs

  • STEAM, financial literacy, and academic enrichment programs

  • Educational programming featuring literacy and programs that help children advance in studies, build knowledge, character, and leadership skills
  • 2. Insecure Population Basic Need Support

  • Programming and services providing food/nutrition, clothing, dental, health and mental wellness assistance

  • Services for at-risk youth facing poverty, illness, or neglect

  • Help for children to live healthy, economically stable, and enhanced lives
  • 3. Special Needs Support

  • Programs and services addressing children's unique abilities and learning capabilities

  • Education programs, respite services, camp scholarships

  • Technology, medical care and therapy
  • 4. Medical/Health & Well Being Support

  • Hospital programming and specialized equipment needs directly utilized by youth patients

  • Medical research to advance prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease

  • Development disorder treatments impacting children

  • DEI programming to facilitate positive programs and services assisting organizations in building cultures that are safe spaces for youth in need
    • Examples of Supported Funding

    • After-school and summer programs
    • STEAM, financial literacy, and academic enrichment programs
    • School readiness programs
    • Programs and services supporting youth food/nutrition, clothing, dental, health and mental wellness
    • Mentorship programming
    • Special needs programs
    • Medical research

      What DCU for Kids Does NOT Generally Support

    • Event sponsorships
    • Sports equipment
    • Capital expenses
    • Renovation projects
    • Salaries, stipends, and program staff

      Geographic Scope

    • United States only

    Review Process and Deadlines

    Applications are reviewed in four cycles throughout the year:

  • Cycle 1: Applications accepted December 1 - March 1; reviewed in April

  • Cycle 2: Applications accepted March 1 - June 1; reviewed in July

  • Cycle 3: Applications accepted June 1 - September 1; reviewed in October

  • Cycle 4: Applications accepted September 1 - December 1; reviewed in January
  • Each request is individually reviewed for eligibility. DCU for Kids may require a site visit or conference call to discuss applications. Requesting organizations will receive notification of funding decision following the board meeting.

      Contact Information

    • Phone: 800.328.8797
    • Address: Digital Federal Credit Union, 853 Donald Lynch Boulevard, PO Box 9130, Marlborough, MA 01752-9130

      Important Notes

    • All applications must be submitted online only
    • Paper requests and Letters of Inquiry are NOT accepted
    • DCU for Kids provides monetary contributions only through the formal grant application process

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    DCU for Kids requires all applications to be submitted online. Paper requests and Letters of Inquiry are NOT accepted.

    #### Step-by-Step Application:

    1. Register as a new user (if first-time user)
    - Email address is your unique identifier and can only be associated with one organization
    - If affiliated with multiple organizations, obtain additional email addresses and register separately

    2. Review Grant Submission Guidelines - Ensure your organization meets all eligibility requirements

    3. Review Funding Focus Areas - Determine if your request qualifies under one of the four funding focus areas

    4. Complete and Submit Online Application

    #### Required Documentation and Materials:

    All of the following must be included in your application:

    • Organization Information:
    • - Concise statement about your organization including history, programs, management, and record of accomplishments - Number of children your overall organization serves - List of executive leadership and Board member list with affiliations - Copy of organization's most recent 990 - Copy of organization's most recent audited statement - Copy of organization's most recent annual report - Proof of tax-exempt status - List of major sponsors and funders
    • Program Information:
    • - Thorough statement about the program seeking funding including established need, program goals, and record of accomplishments - Number of children the program seeking funding serves - Cost per child for the program seeking funding - Percent of the program's operational budget the grant request would support - Other examples of community involvement and relationships
    • Financial Documentation:
    • - Completed AGM Budget Form (Excel) covering both organization and program operating budgets - Specific amount requested from DCU for Kids
    • Submission Requirements:
    • - Online submission only - One grant request per calendar year per organization

    #### Application Restrictions:

  • Applicants may only submit one grant request per calendar year

  • All applications must be submitted online using the online portal button

  • Paper requests are NOT accepted

  • Letters of Inquiry are NOT accepted
  • Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    nonprofitsyouth-programsmentoringeducationafter-school

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