McKinley CU

Community Grants

The Grant

To demonstrate our commitment to creating a better world, the McKinley Foundation is providing monetary help to organizations and individuals aligned with our core values and mission in support of social and racial justice, diversity, and sustainability. Twelve grants up to $1,000 will be awarded throughout the year to organizations and individuals whose work or special project falls within at least one of these categories:

  • Racial justice and equality
  • Healthcare
  • Education
  • Environmental activism
  • Food and housing insecurities
  • Gender equality
  • LGBTQ activism

View a list of past recipients here.

Eligibility Criteria

Successful applications will meet the following criteria:

  • Demonstrate exceptional dedication to advancing the cause of social justice, bringing about greater awareness of injustice, and improving the lives of those who have suffered unjustly within our community.
  • Reside or be based in Champaign County.
  • Agree to attend and present what the organization or individual has been able to accomplish with the grant reward at the McKinley Foundation social justice celebration.

Other Considerations

  • Priority is given to new applicants. If you previously received a grant, do not apply in concurrent year.
  • We do not provide grants for fundraising events.

Application Procedure

  1. Complete the application.
  2. Provide a brief budget indicating how the funds will be used.
  3. Write an essay no more than two single-spaced pages in length describing the applicant’s background, mission, and plans for using the grant funds. We encourage you to identify goals and activities for the upcoming year and to explain how these activities will impact the local community.
  4. For 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) organizations, please provide EIN.
  5. Send the required documents to the Grants and Scholarships Committee at grants@mckinleycu.org.

Community Grant Application 2024Download

Application Deadlines

The Grants and Scholarship Committee meets monthly to review applications. Applications received by the 15th of the month will be considered at the following month’s meeting.