$10,000 Grant Fuels Financial Literacy Program for Rochester Youth

The First Alliance Credit Union Foundation has awarded its largest-ever grant, $10,000, to the Boys & Girls Club of Rochester to expand its Money Matters financial literacy program, ensuring more local youth gain the money skills they need for lifelong success.

The Foundation’s support of Money Matters is not new. In fact, the very first grant ever awarded by the Foundation in April 2023 was a $2,000 gift to the program. Since then, the Boys & Girls Club has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from a single site to four locations in partnership with Rochester Public Schools. Today, the Club serves more than 900 individual youth each year, with an average of 300 children attending daily.

“Financial literacy is a life skill every young person deserves access to,” said Jenna Taubel, Board Chair of the First Alliance Credit Union Foundation. “We are honored to continue supporting the Boys & Girls Club as they equip kids with the knowledge and confidence to make sound financial choices, setting them up for lifelong success.”

Money Matters is designed to prepare middle and high school members for financial independence. Teens learn about budgeting, saving, responsible spending, and understanding credit, critical skills often not taught in schools. With 74% of Club members coming from low-income households, financial literacy can be a powerful tool to break cycles of poverty and create lasting stability.

The new funding will allow the Boys & Girls Club to:
•    Expand its curriculum with more age-appropriate, culturally responsive lessons.
•    Provide one-on-one mentorship and financial literacy workshops.
•    Incorporate real-world experiences to help teens put their learning into practice.

“This generous grant and partnership are a game-changer for our Club,” said Danielle Thompson, Director of Resource Development for Boys and Girls Clubs of Rochester. “With this support, we can take Money Matters to the next level, empowering our teens with tools and confidence to make smart financial decisions for the rest of their lives.”

The partnership doesn’t stop with youth. At the end of September, First Alliance Credit Union staff will help kick off the program with a free financial literacy class for parents, designed to give families confidence in managing their money and talking about finances at home. In October, the Credit Union will also host a workshop for Boys & Girls Club staff and volunteers, ensuring mentors feel equipped to guide youth on their financial journeys year-round.

The First Alliance Credit Union Foundation, established in April 2022, is dedicated to reducing financial insecurity and building stronger communities across Southeast Minnesota. This record-setting grant marks a milestone in its mission to create lasting community impact through education and empowerment. 

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About First Alliance Credit Union Foundation: The First Alliance Credit Union Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to improving financial well-being and strengthening communities across Southeast Minnesota. The Foundation supports programs and partnerships that address financial insecurity, provide education, and create opportunities for individuals and families to thrive. To learn more visit: firstalliancecu.com/foundation 

About Boys & Girls Club of Rochester: The Boys & Girls Club of Rochester empowers and inspires young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring community members. Through programs supporting academic success, healthy lifestyles, leadership, arts, and financial literacy, the Club provides safe, supportive environments where youth ages 5–18 can learn, grow, and thrive, at no cost to families. To learn more visit: bgclubroch.org