Build and Save Matched Savings Initiative - Fall 2025

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Contact us at finempowerment@inclusiv.org for more information.

Technical Questions? Check out the Submitter Resource Center or contact Submittable Customer Support. 

Starts on Mon, Aug 25, 2025 12:00 AM 
Ends on Mon, Sep 8, 2025 11:59 PM 

About this Opportunity

Inclusiv is a national network of more than 500 credit unions with a mission to help low- and moderate-income individuals and communities achieve financial independence through credit unions. Inclusiv is inviting its members to apply for its Build and Save Matched Savings Initiative. Through this opportunity, Inclusiv will provide technical assistance and subgrants to augment existing or develop new matched savings strategies in tandem with ongoing targeted financial empowerment programming.

Purpose

Inclusiv advances financial inclusion by strengthening and supporting credit unions to reach and serve underserved households with products and services that build greater financial security and advance their financial goals. The Build and Save Matched Savings Initiative is a tangible example of how credit unions can develop and implement financially inclusive products and services. Matched or incentivized savings programs have long shown great potential to increase the financial security of low-income households by helping them save towards long-term goals. Typically paired with some form of financial empowerment services, such as financial education or financial coaching, participants are equipped with the tools and resources to uncover forward-thinking, asset-oriented financial goals and contribute towards these goals with regular small deposits over time that are ultimately matched through the program.

Inclusiv will provide peer learning opportunities for awarded credit unions to engage with other awardees also delivering matched or incentivized savings programs for asset building and financial empowerment strategies, such as homeownership, small business, climate resiliency, and financial inclusion. These thought-partnership opportunities will be a place to celebrate successes and share lessons learned along the way and will include at least two in-person convenings.  

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

Use of Funds

A minimum of 80% of total award must go towards matched savings of program participants. The matching ratio will need be outlined in program description. The remaining (20 %) of the total award can go to eligible expenses for program design, development and operation. Eligible operating expenses include, but are not limited to:

  • Operating costs such as personnel salaries, rent, utilities, technology infrastructure, and general administrative costs.
  • Marketing and communications including marketing content and materials, website development and social media.

Award Amount and Timeline

Inclusiv intends to make grants ranging from $50,000 - $75,000. The maximum award amount will be determined based on the needs of the community, size and capacity of the institution and program plan. The grant term is for one year and it is expected that all matched funds will be disbursed to savers within the 12-month timeline of the grant. 

Review Process and Criteria

Upon determining eligibility, all applications will be rated by a panel of internal reviewers. Inclusiv reviewers will evaluate applications to assess the extent to which these funds will help credit unions to augment an existing or develop and deliver a new matched savings program.

The review process will use the following priority criteria:

  • Clear demonstration of how this matched savings opportunity will address needs among low-income households in the membership and\or community.
  • A program plan for how the credit union will use these funds to implement a matched savings program where funds are distributed within 6 months of an award.
  • Commitment to participate in quarterly virtual cohort gatherings to share progress, data and lessons learned, as well as willingness to participate in the Financial Empowerment Learning Center trainings and support for developing and delivering matched savings. 

Grant Terms and Conditions

  • The grant funds will be used to match the money saved by participants and support the administration of the program, and the funds must be used solely for the purpose outlined in the approved proposal.
  • Grantees are required to submit progress reports at regular intervals (e.g., 6 and 12 months) to track the effectiveness of the matching savings program.