Access CU announces focused funding grants for schools

Manitoba schools have the opportunity to receive funding for special projects once again this year after Access Credit Union announced the return of their focused funding grants.

For the second consecutive year, Access CU will give away a total of $250,000 in 10 separate $25,000 grants to schools.

This year’s initiative is dedicated to supporting school recreation and wellness programs, saying they chose those themes because improvements will ensure that both students and communities have safe, supportive environments to connect, grow and thrive together.

All K-12 public schools in Manitoba can apply for the grants and applications can come from parent advisory councils, school administration, teachers and school divisions.

Projects must be pre-approved by the respective school division and include a letter of support from the school principal or vice-principal.

Curt Letkeman, board chair of Access CU said they saw tremendous interest in the program in its inaugural year in 2025.

“By focusing on recreation and wellness we can truly make an impactful difference, remove barriers, and create lasting opportunities for children to grow and develop,” he said in a Monday news release.

Applications can be found at accesscu.ca by searching for “focused funding grant”. Applications open Feb. 16 and close March 31.

Last year’s focus included wellness and nutrition. Schools from the Southeast that benefited included Blumenort School, Roseau Valley School in Dominion City and Springfield Middle School in Oakbank.

Other communities to benefit included Elie, Eriksdale, Plum Coulee, Selkirk and Winnipeg.

Access Credit Union has over $14 billion in assets, serves over 206,000 members and has 47 branches throughout the province.