top of page

TriUnity Foundation Opens National Grant Cycle for Credit Union Members Facing Terminal Illness

  • Writer: Kelsie Papenhausen
    Kelsie Papenhausen
  • 1 hour ago
  • 3 min read

Foundation invites more credit unions to join a growing movement to ease financial burden during life's most difficult season. St. Cloud, MN — TriUnity Foundation, a national nonprofit built by and for credit unions, has opened its next grant cycle for credit union members facing terminal or life-threatening illness.


Applications are now being accepted through September 15, 2026, with grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. Grants are designed to help alleviate the financial strain that often accompanies a life-threatening or terminal diagnosis, allowing individuals and families to focus less on immediate financial pressures and more on the moments that matter most.


Founded on the belief that no one should face life's hardest chapter alone, TriUnity Foundation partners with credit unions and credit union vendors across the country to provide direct financial support to members experiencing extraordinary circumstances.


“Credit unions were created because people needed a better way to navigate financial hardship,” said LeAnn Case, Chair of TriUnity Foundation. “A terminal illness creates one of the greatest financial burdens a family can experience. This work isn't separate from the credit union mission, it is one of the clearest expressions of why credit unions exist.”


Grant applications are reviewed confidentially by an independent advisory committee. Funds may be used to help relieve financial burdens associated with a terminal diagnosis, helping preserve dignity and provide peace of mind during an incredibly difficult time.


One recent grant recipient shared:

“What this grant gave us most was comfort, dignity, and the chance to keep living life in the little ways people often take for granted. Because of this generous grant, we were able to enjoy the simple parts of life again—pizza nights, ice cream, and moments of normalcy. Sometimes support isn't about something big, it's about giving a family room to breathe.”


A Call to Credit Unions

TriUnity Foundation is also inviting additional credit unions and credit union vendors to become Foundation Partners and financial supporters.


Through partnership, credit unions create dedicated grant funding for their own members while joining a national cooperative effort that extends hope, healing, and strength to families during one of life's most challenging seasons.


“Every credit union has members who receive life-changing diagnoses,” Case said. “The question isn't whether those members exist—it's whether we, as a movement, will be there when they need us most.


Financial burden on top of profound personal hardship is exactly the kind of challenge credit unions were created to address.”


Partner credit unions receive a structured, turnkey program that includes confidential application administration, independent grant review, fund distribution, and ongoing stewardship—allowing institutions to deliver meaningful impact without creating additional administrative burden.


TriUnity Foundation currently works alongside a growing group of partners committed to ensuring that no member has to navigate terminal illness alone.


Those interested in becoming a TriUnity Foundation Partner are encouraged to contact the Foundation to learn how they can bring this benefit to members in their own communities by clicking to www.TriUnityFoundation.org.


About TriUnity Foundation

TriUnity Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit built by and for credit unions. With an effort to unite hearts for hope, healing, and strength and a mission to alleviate financial strain, the Foundation provides grants to credit union members facing terminal illness—offering peace of mind and preserving dignity during life’s most difficult season. Learn more or get involved at www.TriUnityFoundation.org.

 
 
bottom of page