Build and Save Matched Savings Initiative - May 2026 (Cohort 4)

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. In partnership with Edward Jones, Inclusiv is inviting its members to apply for the 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 toward long-term goals. Typically paired with financial empowerment services, such as financial education or financial coaching, participants are equipped with the tools and resources to identify forward-thinking, asset-oriented financial goals and contribute toward these goals through regular deposits over time, which are ultimately matched through the program.

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 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 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

Award Amount and Timeline

Inclusiv intends to make grants ranging from $50,000 to $75,000. The final award amount will be determined based on community need, the size and capacity of the credit union, and the proposed program plan. The grant term is one year, and all match funds are expected to be disbursed to participants within the 12-month grant period.

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 matched savings program or launch a new one.

All applications will be 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 a 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.

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