TAMPA, Fla. — The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation will award nearly $3.75 million in grants during the 2026-27 school year, a 13% increase from the previous year, with funding supporting education programs from kindergarten through college across Florida.
Suncoast Credit Union said $3.23 million of the total will go toward K-12 education initiatives, while $520,100 will support colleges and universities.
The grants will be distributed across 18 Florida counties as well as statewide programs, according to the credit union.
The foundation is also expanding its reach this year by adding five education partners: the Dixie, Marion and Osceola education foundations, Polk State College and South Florida State College.
“Founded in 1934 by educators, Suncoast Credit Union is proud to support students, educators and communities across Florida, a commitment we’ve upheld for more than 90 years,” President and CEO Kevin Johnson said.
“Education is one of the most important tools for changing lives and strengthening communities,” Johnson added. “Through these investments, we’re helping create opportunities for the next generation to learn, grow and excel.”
Literacy a Major Focus
Suncoast said literacy programs are among the major areas receiving funding during the coming school year.
The grants will support early literacy initiatives in Hillsborough County, family literacy programs in Lee County, book vending machine projects in Hernando and Charlotte counties, literacy and school supply initiatives in Levy County, and early language and literacy programs at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Other grants will support artificial intelligence training for teachers as well as college readiness and workforce development programs for students.
Hillsborough County will receive the largest county-level investment within Suncoast’s service area, according to the credit union.
The foundation also plans significant investments across Charlotte, Collier and Lee counties in Southwest Florida. Programs there include classroom grants, family literacy initiatives, teacher development and student scholarships.
Card Transactions Help Fund Grants
Suncoast said funding for its foundation is tied directly to members’ use of the credit union’s debit and credit cards.
The foundation receives 4 cents each time a member uses a Suncoast debit or credit card. The resulting funds remain in local communities and are awarded to tax-exempt organizations within Suncoast’s service area that demonstrate an impact on the education, health or emotional well-being of children.
“Our members help generate funds every time they use their debit or credit card, a unique way to see that money reinvested back into the community,” Jeff Kunberger, executive director of the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, said.
“This type of commitment underscores our ‘people helping people’ philosophy, quite literally, and we’re thrilled to deliver that support to students across Florida,” he added.
The Suncoast Credit Union Foundation was established in 1990 and has since provided more than $68 million to organizations across Florida, according to the credit union.
