Maximum Grant Increased to $15,000; Expanded Eligibility for Additional Credit Unions

Posted by Erin Hall on February 13, 2026

Effective January 30, 2026, the National Credit Union Administration has expanded eligibility for its Community Development Revolving Loan Fund (CDRLF) Newly Chartered and Urgent Needs grants, doubling the maximum award from $7,500 to $15,000.

These grants support low‑income‑designated credit unions recovering from natural disasters or other emergencies. Newly chartered credit unions operating for fewer than 10 years with assets of $10 million or less are now also eligible for funding to cover operational expenses.

“Expanding grants to low‑income credit unions provides essential support that helps them stabilize and grow,” said NCUA Chairman Kyle Hauptman. “These institutions often serve as critical financial lifelines for families, small businesses, and their communities. Strengthening them enhances long‑term stability and economic resilience.”

Credit unions applying for the CDRLF program must have the low-income designation and have an active account with the System for Award Management, a web-based, government-wide system.

For more details, including full eligibility criteria and application instructions, are available in the Newly Chartered and Urgent Needs Grant Guidelines. Applicants may contact the Office of Credit Union Resources and Expansion at [email protected] for assistance.

Posted in Advocacy on the Move.