Strong communities are built when people come together to support one another. Supporting local organizations and the people they serve helps create a stronger, more connected community for everyone. As a credit union, a commitment to people helping people is at the heart of everything Arsenal Credit Union does.
Through the Arsenal Community Impact Fund, nonprofit organizations receive grants that allow them to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Since launching the program in 2020, more than 30 local nonprofits have been awarded $84,900. This year, 11 more organizations working to strengthen and uplift our communities have been awarded an additional $14,000.
What makes this fund especially meaningful is that it’s funded by Arsenal employees. Their generosity and commitment to giving back are what make these grants possible. Get to know this year’s grant recipients and discover how they plan to use their funding to make an impact.
Newborns in Need of Eastern Missouri
- How much was awarded? $2,000
- Where are they located? St. Louis, MO
- What’s their mission? The organization provides essential necessities and support to sick and premature babies, while also helping ensure that infants born into families experiencing financial hardship have access to the resources they need to thrive.
- What will they use the grant for? The funds will be used to buy formula and baby food. Also, the organization provides breastfeeding supplies.
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Gateway Food Pantry
- How much was awarded? $2,000
- Where are they located? Arnold, MO
- What’s their mission? They are focused on providing food to those in need and treating each person they serve with dignity and respect.
- What will they use the grant for? The grant will be used to purchase turkeys and sides for their clients so they are able to celebrate Thanksgiving. If there are leftover funds, they will be utilized for the holiday distribution in December.
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Cornerstone Center for Early Learning
- How much was awarded? $1,000
- Where are they located? St. Louis, MO
- What’s their mission? To nurture confident young minds while supporting all families.
- What will they use the grant for? Funds will be used to purchase infant formula and baby food for children under age one while they are in Cornerstone’s care.
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St. Vincent De Paul
- How much was awarded? $1,000
- Where are they located? Belleville, IL
- What’s their mission? To serve people experiencing homelessness and financial hardship in Belleville through meals, food assistance, emergency rent and utility support, employment resources, temporary lodging, and a winter warming center.
- What will they use the grant for? The grant will be used to support St. Vincent De Paul’s Saturday morning hot breakfast program, it’s food pantry and emergency financial assistance program. Any additional funds will go towards a new overnight warming center that will serve up to 20 people experiencing homelessness at a time.
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Disability Resource Association Inc
- How much was awarded? $1,000
- Where are they located? Festus, MO
- What’s their mission? To empower individuals with disabilities, older adults and those in need. The organization works with these individuals to remain independent in their own homes and communities.
- What will they use the grant for? The funds will be used to purchase a holiday meal and essential non-perishable staples for individuals who benefit from the organization. Each Holiday Bag of Blessings will include a meat (ham or turkey), mashed potatoes, canned vegetables, gravy, stuffing and a dessert. If funds allow, other food items are purchased.
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Street Patrol
- How much was awarded? $1,000
- Where are they located? St. Louis, MO
- What’s their mission?To deliver vital aid directly to marginalized communities and provide support to individuals involved in the criminal justice system.
- What will they use the grant for? The grant will be used to purchase food and essential outreach supplies for individuals experiencing homelessness. These supplies include meals, hygiene products, clothing, seasonal necessities, and other high-need items.
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Metro East Humane Society
- How much was awarded? $2,000
- Where are they located? Edwardsville, IL
- What’s their mission? To improve the lives of people and pets through progressive life-saving programs and services, invaluable community resources, and educational empowerment.
- What will they use the grant for? The funds will support 2027 Pet Food Pantry operations by funding the projected annual supply of pet food and the first quarter’s supply of bags used to portion food for distribution.
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Pink Ribbon Good
- How much was awarded? $1,000
- Where are they located? St. Louis, MO
- What’s their mission? Supports individuals and families affected by breast and gynecological cancers by providing free healthy meals, transportation to treatment, housing essentials, and peer support. They offer practical help and emotional support to promote healing and hope.
- What will they use the grant for? Funds will be used to provide 200 healthy meals to breast and gynecological cancer patients and their families in the STL region. For 8-24 weeks, based on clients’ cancer type and treatment needs, three meals for every person in the household will be delivered directly to the homes. Each meal costs an average of $10.
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Hoyleton Youth + Family Services
- How much was awarded? $1,000
- Where are they located? Fairview Heights, IL
- What’s their mission? To provide programs and services that help children, families, and older adults thrive and build brighter futures.
- What will they use the grant for? The grant will be used to purchase Thanksgiving meal kits for Behavioral Health clients.
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Kirk Care Inc.
- How much was awarded? $1,000
- Where are they located? Kirkwood, MO
- What’s their mission? To embody compassion and address hunger and poverty by offering food assistance and emergency utility support to low-income families and individuals within Kirkwood R-7 School District.
- What will they use the grant for? The grant will be used to purchase supplemental food for the Holiday Box Event. This event has been held for the past 44 years. It is primarily made up of donated food, but the grant will cover vouchers that will be used to purchase food from Schnucks.
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O’Fallon Illinois YMCA
- How much was awarded? $1,000
- Where are they located? O’Fallon, IL
- What’s their mission? To strengthen the community through programs that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
- What will they use the grant for? The funds will be used to purchase food for Operation Top Shelf and Feed My Lambs.
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Applications for the Community Impact Fund are currently closed. Stay tuned for more grant information.
