Pathway to Financial Transformation Grant

LAFCU is awarding four individuals up to $2500 each to help build a better financial roadmap and to increase the Pathway to Financial Transformation.

LAFCU Pathway to Financial Transformation essay contest was designed to help strengthen the financial stability of individuals in the communities we serve.

Task
Write a one-page 500 word essay (essays not meeting 500 word count or exceeding one-page will be excluded from scoring)
•    Typed in Times New Roman
•    12 point font
•    Single spaced
•    One-inch margins
•    Do not include your name in your essay

Topic

Building a better financial roadmap

What choice(s) have you made in the past that has influenced your financial decisions?

What financial transformations have you achieved in the past 12 months?

How will this help you transform your future financial goal(s)?

Grading
Participants will be graded using a 1-10 pt. scale, using the following criteria:
1. Specifically followed the requirements and directions of the essay contest
2. Content
3. Correct spelling/grammar

Submission Date
May 1, 2026 through May 31, 2026
Please upload entries to the online form below
or
• Mail entries to: LAFCU Attn: Marketing P.O. Box 26188, Lansing, MI 48909 
* If mailing, please complete and mail the application with your essay.

Winner
The winner will be selected on June 22, 2026 

Awarding of the Funds

1. The winner must provide proof of financial needs as the funds will be submitted to the creditor(s) in the winner's name.

2. Any unused portion of the grant after two years from the date of issue may be returned to the grantor.

*Employees of LAFCU and their immediate family members are excluded.

By signing this application, you are stating that you are the author of the essay submitted and the material is not plagiarized in any manner. You are also giving LAFCU permission to use your name and/or photograph in marketing, media, and promotional materials. Signature may be verified upon winning. Consult a tax advisor for further information regarding any taxes associated with this monetary grant.

I authorize LAFCU to record my name, image, and/or voice and all persons or entities acting pursuant to LAFCU’s permission or authority all rights to use these recorded images. I understand that said images will be used for advertising/promotional and educational purposes, which may include all conventional and electronic media and any future media. I authorize LAFCU the use of any printed material in connection therewith. I understand and agree that these images/recordings may be duplicated, distributed with or without charge, and/or altered in any form or manner without future or further compensation or liability, in perpetuity. I authorize Publicom Inc., a partner of LAFCU, to contact me in order to obtain testimonials and other assets as related to public relations.