Coast Central Credit Union (CCCU) recently announced a significant multi-faceted investment in the North Coast region, opening applications for its Spring 2026 philanthropic programs while simultaneously stepping forward as a primary sponsor of the inaugural StartUp Humboldt Competition.
These initiatives — spanning education, nonprofit support, and economic innovation — represent a comprehensive effort to strengthen the social and economic fabric of Humboldt, Del Norte, and Trinity counties.
Coast Central is now accepting applications for its 2026 College Scholarship Program. Designed to support graduating high school seniors who demonstrate resilience and community involvement, the credit union will award up to 25 scholarships of $5,000 each.
Eligible students must plan to attend one of the following partner institutions: Cal Poly Humboldt, College of the Redwoods, Chico State, or Shasta College.
“Whether we’re supporting nonprofits that uplift our neighbors or helping local students pursue their educational dreams, these programs reflect our deep commitment to building stronger, more vibrant communities for generations to come,” said Christian Hill, senior vice president and chief marketing and public affairs officer.
In addition to student aid, the Spring 2026 Community Investment Grant Program is also open for applications. CCCU has earmarked $150,000 for local nonprofit organizations, with individual grants typically ranging from $3,000 to $25,000.
This program has a long history of impact. Since 2008, Coast Central has invested more than $3.2 million in over 200 organizations across its service area.
Broadening its reach into economic development, Coast Central has also announced a $25,000 sponsorship of the StartUp Humboldt Competition. This initiative is part of a larger $200,000 investment pool designed to identify and nurture high-potential startups in the region.
The competition, which provides milestone-based funding, expert mentorship, and advanced training, is a collaborative effort between Cal Poly Humboldt, College of the Redwoods, and the North Coast SBDC.
“At our core, we exist to lift people up—individuals, families, and businesses alike,” said Fred Moore, president and CEO of Coast Central Credit Union. “When we invest in entrepreneurs who are building solutions and creating opportunity locally, we’re putting the credit union philosophy of people helping people into action.”
Wil Franklin, director of the North Coast SBDC and Co-Founder of StartUp Humboldt, said the credit union’s involvement is a “powerful vote of confidence” in the local economy, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in building pathways for business success.
Totaling over $700,000 in annual commitments through grants, scholarships, and sponsorships, Coast Central continues to lead as a community-focused financial institution. Beyond financial contributions, the credit union’s employees demonstrated their “hands-on” commitment by contributing more than 8,300 volunteer hours in 2025.
