NCUA to open CDRLF grant round with more opportunities for LID credit unions

October 1, 2025

The NCUA expects to award approximately $3.465 million in Community Development Revolving Loan Fund (CDRLF) grants to between 85 and 115 low-income designated (LID) credit unions. The Notice of Funding Opportunity was published Wednesday in the Federal Register, with applications opening Oct. 15 and closing Dec. 16.

LID credit unions are designated by the NCUA if more than 50% of their members have a family income of 80% or less of the median family income in the local or national metropolitan area (whichever is greater). Designated credit unions are eligible for exceptions from the member business lending cap, as well as CDRLF grants and other relief.

The NCUA has made several changes to the CDRLF process this year to enhance access for LID credit unions, allowing them to apply for awards in two separate initiatives. If a LID credit union applies for a grant and does not receive it, the credit union can convert the grant application into a CDRLF loan application.

Grants will be awarded in six categories:

  • Impact Through Innovation Pilot Initiative (maximum award of $100,000): Providing Phase III funding for credit unions that received grants in 2023.
  • New Charter Capacity Building (maximum award of $50,000): Assisting newly chartered credit unions to increase capacity and better serve members.
  • Underserved Outreach (maximum award of $50,000): Helping credit unions expand access to underserved communities and improve members’ financial well-being.
  • Student Internships (maximum award of $25,000): Enhancing credit unions’ ability to offer internships to high school and college students to gain experience working in a credit union.
  • Technology, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence (maximum award of $25,000): Giving credit unions greater access to affordable digital financial products and to implement artificial intelligence services.
  • Training (maximum award of $25,000): Funding activities such as succession planning, leadership development, and consumer financial protection training.

Grant application guidelines and frequently asked questions are posted on the NCUA’s Grants page.