Submitted by Verity Credit Union
Verity Credit Union, a $735 million asset financial institution in Seattle that focuses on socially responsible banking, announced today its new Grants for Growth campaign, offering flexible funding and values-aligned relationship support to small businesses and nonprofits that serve and uplift their communities.
Verity’s Grants for Growth initiative expands its well-known Microgrant Program, now called its Nonprofit Microgrant, to include Microbusiness Grants, further leveraging the credit union’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)-aligned status to strengthen community wealth and expand opportunities for historically excluded entrepreneurs and grassroots organizations in Washington.
“Grants for Growth is an extension of Verity’s mission to put people and community before profit, extending and deepening relationships,” said Tonita Webb, CEO of Verity Credit Union. “Through this initiative, we seek to give business owners and nonprofit leaders support, building confidence and camaraderie. By removing barriers and centering, we’re helping local businesses and nonprofits grow in ways that honor their values and strengthen our region.”
Verity’s new Grants for Growth campaign encompasses its:
Microbusiness Grant: $7,000 to $10,000 in flexible funding and relationship support for small business owners with less than $1M in annual revenue and under 10 employees. Eligible applicants include BIPOC-, women-, LGBTQ+-, and veteran-owned businesses operating for fewer than five years.
Nonprofit Microgrant, previously known as the Microgrant Program: Up to $5,000 in flexible funding and relationship support for grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations with assets under $250,000. Eligible nonprofits must be led by or serve historically marginalized communities and advance social justice, environmental justice, equity, or financial wellness.
Beyond direct funding, grant recipients will have access to ongoing relationships and advocacy, including increased visibility, financial coaching, and access to additional Verity resources such as business loans. Unlike traditional grant programs that can be exclusionary and overly formal, Verity’s Grants for Growth are accessible and attainable. As a community development credit union, Verity prioritizes authenticity, transparency, and access to real people behind the brand.
Applications opened on October 1 for the Nonprofit Microgrant and will open on October 15 for the Microbusiness Grant, with both closing on November 2. Membership is not required, and prior applicants are welcome. Submissions will be evaluated by a Verity review committee using a rubric focused on alignment with Verity’s values, potential community impact, and financial need.
Organizations not selected for funding will still gain access to a nurturing journey of resources, tools, and future opportunities through Verity.
Community builders, change-makers, and small business dreamers are encouraged to apply here for nonprofits and here for small businesses.
About Verity Credit Union
Verity Credit Union is one of Washington State’s longest-standing credit unions, putting people, the planet, and prosperity for all above the bottom line. Our mission is to make meaningful, positive, and lasting change by partnering with our members and communities to co-create solutions. As a socially responsible financial institution, about 87% of our deposits support the local economy and members with loans, big and small, to improve the well-being of businesses and individuals, especially those who have been historically left out of the financial system. We are one of a few financial institutions with a Black woman CEO and a leadership team and board that identify predominantly as female, allowing us to embody the change we’re working towards. Together, we can create stronger, healthier, more sustainable communities by making people-centric decisions.