Grants
When we work together, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish. We support initiatives dedicated to making our community a better place.
Strategic Giving Pillars
VyStar Foundation gives to organizations that share our strategic priorities and are working toward the broader goal of doing good in the regions served by VyStar Credit Union. We support impactful work, ideas and innovative solutions.
Military
Ensuring military members, veterans and their families receive the social services they need and the recognition they deserve
Youth
Empowering youth by providing equitable access to creative learning environments
Community Building
Cultivating financially strong, culturally vibrant and interconnected communities
How to Apply
Applying for a grant is a straightforward process. While each grant will have a distinct focus and funding cycle to be considered, each applicant must meet a minimum set of eligibility requirements.
Review Grant Cycles
View the upcoming grant cycles to see which programs are currently open for funding consideration.
Check Criteria
While each grant has a distinct set of eligibility requirements, it’s important to know that we also have a set of general criteria for grantees.
Submit Online Application
When you are ready to apply for a grant, the next step is to complete an online application.
Upcoming Grant Cycles
VyStar Foundation accepts grant applications two times per year. Only applications submitted via the online portal and received by the closing deadline will be considered.
Eligibility Criteria
We support organizations that meet these criteria:
Strategic Giving Alignment
Align with at least one of VyStar Foundation’s strategic giving pillars—Military, Youth and Community Building.
Tax-exempt status
Have tax-exempt status as a public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue code.
Areas We Serve
Be located or provide a benefit to communities within one of VyStar Credit Union’s service areas.
Measurable impact
Clearly articulate the organization’s impact in the community or with the targeted audience. Show how you measure, track and report one or more program outcomes.
A minimum of one full year of program services and outcomes
To find out if your organization is eligible, please take this short VyStar Foundation eligibility questionnaire.
Exclusions
We do not support requests from:
Religious denominations or congregations
Programs sponsored by religious organizations that serve a diverse and nonsectarian population may be eligible.Organizations that discriminate against any individual based on race, creed, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, disability, or veteran status
Political action committees, political causes or candidates
Organizations that may pose a conflict of interest based on their affiliation with employees, board members or existing partners
Organizations considered a risk to VyStar’s reputation or do not align with its broader values
Grant FAQs
The Foundation does not typically accept sponsorship requests. Corporate sponsorships are handled through our Community Engagement Team with VyStar Credit Union. If you are seeking a corporate sponsorship, please visit VyStar Credit Union's sponsorships webpage.
A corporate sponsorship is a financial or in-kind contribution towards an event or short-term project made in exchange for marketing or advertising consideration (i.e., professional conferences, fundraisers, festivals, galas, etc.).
Grants provided to nonprofit organizations to underwrite the costs of a specific project or program that has a benefit to the community and aligns with one of our strategic pillars.
Projects may include pilot or ongoing programs.
The Foundation is interested in supporting organizations that provide evidence of collaboration to leverage resources and to creatively solve problems.
Nonprofit organizations that are part of a collaborative effort may also seek funding for their individual projects.
Yes, through a notification of funding opportunity, the Foundation will inform the community about how much funding is available for a particular level and how many awards are expected to be given out based on the average grant size. However, funding amounts and number of awards may vary depending on the quality of the applications received.
VyStar’s Grant Funding Cycle typically runs two times a year: spring and fall. All applications for funding opportunities must meet specific grant eligibility requirements. Please review grant cycles for specific funding timelines.
Grant decisions are made through the combined effort of Foundation staff and the Board of Directors. Staff members provide initial recommendations to the Board based upon some or all of the following:
Review and alignment of proposed project
Consonance with the Foundation’s Strategic Giving Pillars
Program innovation and design
Impact the organization is making in the community
A method by which to measure and track program outcomes
Clearly articulated sustainability plan beyond Foundation funding
Evidence of financial stability
Applicants will receive email notification of a decision regarding submissions. Letters awarding or declining grants will communicate the decision of the Board and will also include information on various contingencies or pre-funding requirements. If your application is not selected, declination letters will generally not indicate specific reasons.
You can expect open and honest communication from us. We hope to speak with you regularly to better understand the progress you are making as well as any opportunities where we can offer assistance. We value your expertise and may request assistance from you on pursuits outside of the grant; or, we may offer to connect you with organizations doing similar work. The Foundation is here to empower our grantees and help you be successful.
If you submitted a request and have been denied, you may submit another grant application in the next grant cycle. Regardless of past decisions, you may always submit an application provided you meet the requirements outlined in the call for proposals.
Grants are intended primarily as one-time grants; multi-year projects will not be considered at this time.