Build and Save Matched Savings Initiative – Spring 2026

Sign Up

Please contact our Financial Empowerment Center team at finempowerment@inclusiv.org with any questions.

Spring 2026 applications will open on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 9:00 AM EST and close on Friday, April 3, 2026, at 8:00 PM EST.

About this Opportunity

Inclusiv is a national network of more than 500 credit unions dedicated to helping low- and moderate-income people and communities achieve financial independence. Inclusiv invites its members to apply for the Build and Save Matched Savings Initiative, which provides technical assistance and subgrants to help credit unions strengthen existing or launch new matched savings programs that support targeted financial empowerment efforts.

Purpose

Inclusiv advances financial inclusion by strengthening and supporting credit unions to serve underserved households with products and services that build financial security and advance long-term financial goals. Matched or incentivized savings programs have long demonstrated their potential to increase the financial stability of low-income households. When paired with financial education or coaching, participants gain the tools to set forward-thinking, asset-building goals and contribute toward them with regular deposits that are ultimately matched through the program.

Program Features and Benefits

Awarded credit unions will have access to peer learning opportunities with other organizations delivering matched savings programs. These thought-partnership opportunities provide a space to share lessons learned, celebrate successes, and explore strategies for asset building and financial empowerment, including areas such as homeownership, small business development, climate resiliency, and financial inclusion.

Additionally, Inclusiv will facilitate partnership opportunities within Edward Jones markets, connecting participants with wealth advisors to support long-term financial strength and well-being.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to apply for the Build and Save Matched Savings Initiative, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  1. Be an Inclusiv member credit union.
  2. Be a federally or state-chartered credit union located in the United States
  3. Demonstrated organizational capacity to manage a matched savings program.
  4. Currently operate a matched savings program OR demonstrate readiness to develop and launch a new matched savings program by May 1, 2026.
  5. Be able to fully allocate all matched funds to participating members within twelve (12) months of receiving the award.
  6. Currently provide financial empowerment services (such as financial education, financial coaching, or financial counseling) and demonstrate the ability to track participant engagement; OR
  7. Present a clear and feasible plan to deliver financial empowerment services in tandem with the matched savings program, including through a new or planned partnership.

Funding

Grant Amount: Inclusiv intends to make grants ranging from $50,000 - $75,000. The final award amount will be determined based on the community’s needs, the size and capacity of the credit union, and the proposed program plan.

Grant Term: The grant term is one year. All grant funds must be fully allocated to program participants by the end of the 12-month period. Funds may be rolled over on behalf of participants into CDs, high-yield savings accounts, or similar, as long as this approach is clearly described in the program plan, and the funds will be distributed to participants according to that plan.

Use of Funds: A minimum of 80% of the total award must be allocated to matched savings for program participants.

Up to 20% of the total award may be used for eligible operating expenses, including program design, development, and implementation costs.

Eligible operating expenses include, but are not limited to:

  • Personnel salaries and benefits.
  • Technology infrastructure.
  • General administrative costs.
  • Marketing and communications, including marketing materials, website development, and social media.

Key Dates & Grant Period:

  • Application opens: Friday, March 20, 2026, at 9:00 AM EST
  • Application deadline: Friday, April 3, 2026, at 8:00 PM EST
  • Anticipated award notification: Monday, April 20
  • Grant period: May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027 (all program activity and participant matched savings should occur during this period)

How to Apply

Applications for the Build and Save Matched Savings Initiative are submitted through Submittable. Credit unions that do not yet have a Submittable account will need to create one to access the application portal.

Before starting the application, credit unions should review the grant period and key dates to ensure they can implement the program within the 12-month term. For technical questions about Submittable, including account setup or navigating the portal, support resources are available to guide applicants through the process.

Review Process

Upon confirmation of eligibility, applications will be reviewed and scored by internal reviewers. Reviewers will assess the extent to which the proposed funding will enable the credit union to strengthen an existing or launch a new matched savings program.

All applications are evaluated using a standardized scoring rubric aligned with the priority criteria outlined below.

Applications will be evaluated based on the following:

  • Community Need: Clear demonstration of how the matched savings program will address the needs of low-income households within the credit union’s membership and/or community.
  • Program Design and Implementation Plan: A well-defined plan outlining how the credit union will implement the matched savings program and begin distributing matched funds within six months of the award.
  • Engagement and Learning Commitment: Commitment to participate in quarterly virtual cohort gatherings to share progress, data, and lessons learned, as well as willingness to engage in Financial Empowerment Learning Center trainings and technical assistance to support program development and delivery.

Grant Terms and Conditions

Grant funds must be used solely for the purposes outlined in the approved proposal, including matching participants' savings and supporting eligible program administration costs in accordance with the funding guidelines.

Grantees are required to submit progress reports at designated intervals during the grant period (e.g., at six and twelve months). These reports will document program implementation, participant engagement, matched savings distribution, and overall progress toward program goals.

For additional guidance, please review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

For program-related questions, please contact finempowerment@inclusiv.org.

For technical assistance with Submittable, including account setup or application submission, please visit the Submitter Resource Center or contact Submittable Customer Support.