SAFE Financial Educators and Volunteers help with a Budget Cents budgeting simulation at Mesa Verde High School. SAFE supports financial education through its own programs like Budget Cents and by awarding grants to nonprofits offering courses to youth and underserved communities. Photo courtesy of SAFE Credit Union

FOLSOM, CA (MPG) - SAFE Credit Union will grant $20,000 to a Sacramento-region nonprofit offering financial literacy programs to help people gain the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to build solid financial futures.

Applications are being accepted online through Monday, Feb. 3 on SAFE’s website.

“As a financial institution that serves thousands of families, we see firsthand how important it is for people to understand basics like how credit works, saving for emergencies, and budgeting to be sure you can cover all your expenses,” said SAFE Credit Union Vice President Community Relations and Financial Education Rebecca Delmundo. “Unfortunately, not everyone learns this from their families or in school. We’re happy to see more nonprofits offering programs that help people learn how to successfully handle their finances, and SAFE is ready to help support their efforts.”

The grant will be awarded to support a program operated by a nonprofit that provides financial education programs to youth and/or underserved communities.

SAFE Credit Union has four grant cycles a year, awarding up to $20,000 each round to nonprofits with programs that support financial wellbeing, education opportunities, affordable housing and workforce development. More information on SAFE’s grant program and other philanthropic efforts is available at safecu.org/community/community-impact.

Grants are just one way SAFE supports financial education in the community. The credit union offers no-cost financial education programs to high school students and young adults through its interactive budgeting simulation, Budget Cents. It also hosts in-person workshops and webinars on general topics such as saving strategies, handling debt, setting up trusts and home buying.