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CommunityCommunity Impact

Funding Opportunities

We support organizations and individuals working to improve the community and themselves, with a focus on organizations that align with our pillars of philanthropy: education, health and wellness, and supporting our military members. We provide support through grants, sponsorships, direct donations, and volunteerism. We also invest in the future of our community members with scholarship programs. Read more to find out how we can support you.

Apply for a Grant

SAFE distributes funding to local nonprofits through a competitive grant process. Funding takes place four times a year as we focus on our three philanthropic pillars. We also provide specific funding opportunities based on social determinants of health.

First grant cycle

As a credit union whose field of membership began over 80 years ago by serving the civilians at what became McClellan Air Force Base, we are honored to serve those who serve our country. The pathway to success from military service to a civilian career is workforce development. SAFE will proudly grant one $20,000 grant and one $10,000 grant to organizations whose programming promotes success in career training for veterans.

Receiving applications January 6 - February 17, 2023

Second grant cycle

The strength and vitality of our region are of immeasurable value to SAFE. Funding programs based on mental health and wellness ensures that we are at the forefront of supporting our health care systems and the members of our community. SAFE will proudly fund one organization a $20,000 grant and one organization a $10,000 grant to support their programs in addressing community needs.

Receiving applications April 3 - May 12, 2023

Third grant cycle

There are many social determinants that factor into personal wellbeing, such as income levels, where people live, and access to nutritious food and health services. Addressing these inequities will improve the health of individuals and the region as a whole. SAFE will award one $20,000 grant and one $10,000 grant to organizations focused on addressing these social determinants to improve healthy outcomes.

Receiving applications July 3 – August 18, 2023

Fourth grant cycle

For the fourth grant cycle this year, SAFE is inviting our members and the general public to vote to determine the two recipients that will each receive a $15,000 grant.

First, the focus. A region thrives when it has steady economic growth and equitable educational opportunities for all who live there. SAFE Credit Union will accept applications for the Q4 phase of its annual grant program from October 1 through October 31, 2023. Nonprofits with programs that seek to improve the economic condition and/or provide economic education for individuals and/or the community at large in the Greater Sacramento region are encouraged to apply.

Next, here's how finalists will be determined and the recipients will be chosen. Two nonprofit organizations will be selected from among the applicants to each receive $15,000 grants. Awardees will be notified by December 31, 2023, by email from a SAFE Credit Union representative.

Grant recipients will be determined by a vote of SAFE members and the general public conducted December 1, 2023, through December 18, 2023.

The process will work as follows.

  1. A committee of SAFE employees (Committee) will review all completed applications submitted by the deadline to determine four finalist candidates. In the event that fewer than four applications meet the selection criteria, then that reduced number of applicants will be put forward as the finalists.
  2. SAFE will open voting via electronic form from 8 a.m. PT December 1, 2023, and will accept votes through 6 p.m. PT December 18, 2023. Links to the form will be shared in the following locations:
    • SAFE social media channels
    • SAFE's website, safecu.org
    • In SAFE Online Banking and on the Mobile App
    • In printed collateral in SAFE branches
  3. Voting is not restricted to those with SAFE Credit Union membership. The general public of all ages may vote. Multiple votes will be accepted. No personal information will be gathered during the vote process, and all votes will be anonymous.
  4. The finalist organizations may share the link to the voting form with their supporters and clientele as they wish, including through social media links and other outreach methods.
  5. Voting will close at 6 p.m. PT December 18, 2023.
  6. The Committee will tabulate the votes starting December 19, 2023. The two nonprofits that receive the most votes will each receive a $15,000 grant. In the event of a tie, the Committee will determine who the final grant recipients will be.

Receiving applications October 1 - October 31. 2023

SAFE now only accepts online grant applications. Please use our convenient online form to apply.

Apply to Request a Sponsorship

SAFE sponsors local events, webinars, and conferences. We give priority to those that align with our pillars of philanthropy: health and wellness; veteran support; youth leadership and education; and volunteering opportunities. Your organization must be a 501(c)(3) organization to receive funding. All requests must be received 90 days in advance of the event.


Sponsorship Application

SAFE is a strong supporter of higher education, from trade schools and community colleges to universities and advanced degrees. Post-secondary education can empower people to obtain personally rewarding and higher paying careers. Through our scholarship programs, SAFE supports those setting the stage for bright futures.

Watch for future scholarship opportunities here.

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