How Our Technology Support Grants Work
Overview
The Capital Savings Foundation (CSF) Technology Support Grants help mission-driven banks and credit unions modernize their technology so they can better serve their communities.
Many community-based financial institutions want to improve digital access, efficiency, and security, but lack the capital or flexibility to invest in new systems. CSF helps close that gap by providing grant support that enables institutions to adopt technology that strengthens operations, expands access, and improves long-term sustainability.
Program Purpose
CSF’s Technology Support Grants are designed to support financial institutions that are committed to community development but face barriers to upgrading or implementing modern technology.
The goal is not technology for technology’s sake, but practical tools that improve service delivery, operational resilience, and community impact.
How the Program Works
Think of Technology Support Grants as catalytic funding that helps institutions move forward without placing additional strain on their balance sheets.
Here’s What Happens:
A bank or credit union identifies a technology need that aligns with its mission and community impact goals.
CSF provides grant funding to help cover part of the cost of implementing or upgrading that technology.
The institution retains full ownership and control of the technology while benefiting from improved capacity and efficiency.
This support allows institutions to adopt systems that might otherwise be delayed or out of reach.
How Grant Funds May Be Used
Technology Support Grants are designed to strengthen both the systems and people that mission-driven financial institutions rely on to serve their communities effectively.
Grant funding may support a combination of technology improvements and talent development, including:
01
Digital banking platforms and customer access tools
02
Loan origination, underwriting, and servicing systems
03
Data management, reporting, and compliance technology
04
Cybersecurity and risk management solutions
05
Operational systems that improve efficiency and scalability
06
Talent sourcing through paid technology and operations internships
Who This Program Serves
Technology Support Grants are intended for mission-driven banks and credit unions that serve communities where access to financial tools and services is limited or underserved.
Priority is given to institutions that demonstrate a clear plan for how the technology will improve service, access, or operational effectiveness.
Leveraging Donor Capital
Donor contributions make Technology Support Grants possible.
Rather than funding short-term programs, donor capital is used to strengthen the underlying infrastructure of financial institutions, allowing them to serve more people more effectively over time.
This model supports:
Expanding Institutional Capacity
A single grant can improve service delivery for thousands of current and future customers.
Improving Efficiency and Resilience
Institutions can operate more efficiently, reducing long-term costs and risk.
Strengthening Community Access
Communities benefit from stronger, more resilient financial institutions.
Donor support helps ensure that institutions are equipped to meet evolving demands while staying focused on their mission.
Stewardship and Oversight
CSF evaluates each Technology Support Grant to ensure funds are used responsibly and in alignment with the Foundation’s purpose.
Oversight Includes:
Review of the institution’s technology plan and objectives
Confirmation that grant funds are used for approved technology purposes
Ongoing accountability to ensure the investment supports long-term impact
This approach protects donor intent while supporting sustainable institutional growth.
How This Supports Long-Term Impact
Strong technology enables strong institutions. Capital Savings Foundation helps banks and credit unions modernize the systems they rely on to operate securely, efficiently, and at scale.
Technology Support Grants Lead To:
Improved access to financial services
More efficient and secure operations
Better data and reporting for regulatory and community accountability
A stronger foundation for future lending and community programs
Technology Support Grants are not one-time fixes. They are investments in the capacity of institutions to serve their communities for years to come.
Support Technology That Strengthens Communities
Your donation helps banks and credit unions build the technology infrastructure they need to expand access, improve service, and sustain long-term community impact.