Suncoast Credit Union exists to help improve our members’ lives. For us, these goals go much deeper than offering helpful products and services. 

At Suncoast, it’s important that our organization gives back to the communities in which we live and work.

Serving our communities goes beyond the members we come in contact with every day. It also means making a difference in lives the youngest members of our communities. It’s that simple.

And that’s why we started the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation back in 1990. Our 501(c)(3) non-profit organization was established to benefit sick children and their families and to support educational initiatives.

“Investing in children creates stronger communities,” said Cindy Helton, executive director of the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. “It is incredible to see how the right program can positively impact a child’s entire future.”

Mission of the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation

The mission of the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation is to promote the education, health and emotional well-being of children in our communities.

Since the foundation began, we’ve donated more than $19 million to initiatives that support our mission.

Where do the Funds Come From?

Every dollar that the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation gets is donated by Suncoast. It’s that simple!

Suncoast donates two cents to the foundation every time a member uses a Suncoast credit or debit card. Those pennies add up to make a major difference in the communities we serve! 

Where do the Funds Go?

One hundred percent of the money that Suncoast donates to the foundation goes to organizations and initiatives in the counties we serve that support our mission.

The foundation uses these funds to provide scholarships to local students and award grants to local organizations that impact children.

Each grant the foundation provides makes a major difference. For example, our grant to Meals of Hope provided food to more than 100 needy families in East Naples for 10 weeks.

Our funding to the Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO) provided 250 children in Hillsborough County a new pair of shoes along with socks, school supplies and other necessities before school began.

We also partner with the Rays Baseball Foundation for Reading with the Rays, a program that keep kids reading all summer long.

“It’s an honor to work with so many worthy local organizations that help children,” Helton said. “These initiatives help to develop today’s youth into tomorrow’s leaders.”

How to Apply for a Grant

It’s easy to apply for a grant from the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. And while there are many worthwhile programs in need of funding, we have established criteria to assist in funding decisions.

First, the program or initiative must be consistent with the mission of Suncoast Credit Union Foundation. That means it must promote the education, health and emotional well-being of children in our communities.

All grant requests must feature specific goals with measurable results. Requests should also show the ability to meet the program’s needs.

Other qualifications for potential recipients of Suncoast Credit Union Foundation funding include:

• Tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and have been in existence for at least 2 years
• In compliance with anti-discrimination laws at the Local, State and Federal level
• Located within the 21 counties served by Suncoast Credit Union

Please keep in mind that our foundation does not fund endowment campaigns, individuals or individual projects, religious organizations, political causes or candidates or reduction or liquidation of debt.

You can apply for a grant here.

How to Apply for a Scholarship

The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation is proud to help students achieve their education goals. We endow scholarships to Hillsborough Community College, State College of Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida SouthWestern State College.

We also offer scholarships to high school seniors who live in the counties we serve. To apply for a scholarship, students must demonstrate a need for financial assistance, possess leadership abilities and achieve high academic performance.

Applications are available online and every county has its own deadline. Get more information about the Suncoast Credit Union Scholars Program on our website. You can also apply for a scholarship on the Consortium of Florida Education Foundation’s website.