To Support and Enhance the Communities We Serve
NuVista Federal Credit Union has invested over $6.8 million in federal grants and hundreds of thousands in direct community support across rural Western Colorado from 2019-2025. As a credit union on Colorado's Western Slope, we serve Montrose, Delta, Gunnison, Ouray, and San Miguel counties through strategic programs focused on youth education, affordable workforce housing, and basic human needs support.
Federal Grants Deployed
Financial Reality Fair
Annual Student Support
Community Development
As a Community Development credit union, we're dedicated to providing financial services to meet the needs of economically disadvantaged individuals within underserved communities.
Local Economic Growth
We invest in local communities and the residents who live there by providing critically needed financing often unavailable from mainstream financial institutions.
Comprehensive Support
Our charitable giving and community outreach targets three key areas: Education and Youth, Basic Human Needs, and Community Development.
Member-Owned Commitment
As a member-owned credit union, we put the community first and value local, economic growth that benefits everyone.
Five Years of Transformative Impact
Since 2019, NuVista has secured nearly $7 million in grants and matching funds, transforming our capacity to serve rural Western Colorado. Our programs reach thousands of students annually, support affordable housing development, and provide critical financial assistance to small businesses and families across five counties.
What It Means To Be Focused on CD
Community Development Financial Institutions are mission-driven financial institutions dedicated to providing financial services to meet the needs of economically disadvantaged individuals within underserved communities.
Local Investment
We invest in local communities by providing critically needed financing often unavailable from mainstream financial institutions.
Economic Growth
Part of a national network promoting economic growth in America's underserved communities by financing businesses and creating jobs.
Community First
NuVista puts the community first and values local, economic growth that benefits everyone.
Major Grant Awards (2019-2025)
$124,380
Technical Assistance Award enabling certification process
$2.8 Million
$1.8M Rapid Response Grant + $1M NuVista matching funds deployed to small businesses
$3,718,258
Largest grant targeting affordable workforce housing and community recovery
$100,000
GoWest Foundation grant for Ridgway workforce housing duplex
$50,000
NCUA grant expanding regional financial education programming
$6,792,638
Total federal and foundation grants deployed for community benefit
Our Support Areas
We target contributions and volunteer resources to organizations, programs, and causes in three general categories:
Education & Youth
Emphasis on literacy and personal finance education to empower the next generation with financial knowledge and skills.
Basic Human Needs
Emphasis on food, clothing, and shelter to ensure our neighbors have access to essential resources for daily living.
Community Development
Supporting initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods, improve infrastructure, and enhance the overall quality of life in our communities.
Our Major Programs
Sustained commitments that create lasting impact across Western Colorado
Financial Reality Fair
NuVista's flagship educational partnership reaches its eighth annual event, serving high school seniors from five schools in Montrose County.
Students receive hypothetical life circumstances—a job with specific salary, possibly a spouse or child, a credit score, and student loan obligations—then navigate interactive budget stations covering housing, transportation, childcare, entertainment, groceries, clothing, and personal care. Contact Karla Cline, (970) 497-5310, for sponsorship opportunities.
Total Annual Student Benefits:
- 20 students win $50 Montrose Bucks
- 20 prizes of $50 for course completion
- 5 scholarships of $1,000 each
Partners:
- Black Canyon Rotary Club (co-host)
- Montrose County School District
- GoWest Foundation (app funding)
Annual Scholarships
NuVista awards three annual scholarships of $1,200 each to graduating high school seniors who are credit union members or live in member households.
- Support accredited colleges, universities, or technical schools
- Application deadline: March 31 annually
- Winners notified by May 1
Total Annual Scholarship Support: $9,600 (including Financial Reality Fair scholarships)
DREAM Share Certificate
A 12-month savings product for youth ages 17 and under that combines financial education with tangible savings incentives through a "Learn & Earn" component.
- $25 for each completed online class
- $50 for each attended in-person class
- Up to $150 in Learn & Earn deposits
- One-on-one financial coaching included
Bilingual curriculum available in English and Spanish
Financial Wellness Center
Free online financial education platform powered by MoneyEdu, available to all members and select community participants. Features approximately 30-minute modules covering budgeting, credit management, savings strategies, account management, and debt reduction.
Key Features:
- Course completion certificates
- Bilingual content (English & Spanish)
- Aligned with Colorado P-12 Standards
Integration:
- Financial Reality Fair participants
- DREAM Certificate holders
- Community nonprofit partners
Affordable and Workforce Housing Initiatives
Addressing critical housing shortages in Western Colorado's resort communities through the $3.7 million Equitable Recovery Program Grant and strategic partnerships.
Ridgway Duplex Project:
- $100,000 GoWest Foundation grant
- ~$800,000 construction loan
- 1,582 sq ft per unit (3BR, 2.5BA)
- Permanently affordable housing
- Income-qualified: 60-140% AMI
Partnerships:
- Colorado Health Foundation
- Home Trust of Ouray County
- Montrose Housing Authority
- Direct grants to organizations & individuals
Impact: Making homeownership accessible to teachers, healthcare workers, and service industry employees who cannot afford market-rate housing near their jobs.
COVID-19 Small Business Relief
In 2021, NuVista deployed $2.8 million total ($1.8M Rapid Response Grant + $1M NuVista matching funds) to local small businesses across Montrose, Delta, and Gunnison counties.
- Entirely separate from Paycheck Protection Program loans
- Served businesses that didn't qualify for PPP or needed additional assistance
- Rapid deployment kept local employers operational during crisis
- One of the largest single-year community investments in NuVista's history
Deployed in 2021
Additional Community Impact Highlights
Employee Volunteers
Hundreds of volunteer hours annually supporting Financial Reality Fair, financial education classes, and community events
Bilingual Programming
Financial education content available in English and Spanish, removing language barriers for Spanish speaking community members
School Partnerships
Six-plus year partnership with Montrose County School District, aligning curriculum with Colorado P-12 Financial Literacy Standards
Geographic Reach
Serving Colorado's Western Slope, with 7,200 members across five rural counties with $65M in assets
Get Involved
Request support for your organization or learn how to partner with NuVista in strengthening our communities.
Request a Donation
You can request a donation from NuVista by completing and submitting a Donation Request Form. Once submitted, your request will be considered by our Donations Committee.
Submit Request FormVolunteer Resources
In addition to financial support, NuVista provides volunteer resources to organizations that align with our mission and values. Contact us to discuss volunteer opportunities.
Contact UsEligibility Requirements
Qualifying Organizations
NuVista Federal Credit Union Funds are for Public Giving. This allows NuVista to make charitable contributions to nonprofit recipients that:
- Are located in or conduct activities in a community where the Credit Union has a place of business
- Are tax exempt organizations as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
- Do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, or veteran status
What We Don't Support
NuVista Federal Credit Union does not provide financial or volunteer support to:
- Religious organizations for direct religious activities
- Political campaigns or lobbyists
- Individuals
- Activities outside our community charter
- Projects not aligned with our mission, vision, or values
Frequently Asked Questions