August 2025 - America First Newsroom

America First Credit Union Opens Back-to-School Teacher Grant Program

20 educators across six states to receive up to $2,500 for classroom projects; applications open through Sept. 30

RIVERDALE, Utah – Aug. 10, 2025 – America First Credit Union is inviting teachers to apply for funding through its 100% for Kids Teacher Grant Program. The effort will award 20 grants of up to $2,500 to educators with innovative classroom projects that engage students and strengthen schools in the communities America First serves as students return to the classroom.

The program, administered by the America First Charitable Foundation, supports projects that enrich standard curriculum, promote creativity and address specific classroom needs. Teachers in Utah, Arizona, California, Idaho (Boise and Rexburg), Nevada and New Mexico (Albuquerque) are eligible to apply.

“Back-to-school season is a perfect time to shine a light on the teachers who give so much of themselves to help students succeed,” said Amber Greenwell, executive director of the America First Credit Union Charitable Foundation. “These grants provide flexible resources for projects that otherwise might not happen, from science equipment to art supplies to hands-on learning experiences.”

The 100% for Kids program began in 2002 as a collaborative initiative of credit unions operating in Utah. In 2023, AFCU became the program’s primary steward, continuing its mission and expanding it to reach more educators across the credit union’s footprint. Since its founding, 100% for Kids has provided more than $6 million in direct funding to classrooms. https://utahscreditunions.org/100-for-kids/

Supporting education is one of the foundation’s four pillars, alongside community assistance, service to others and supporting children in need. The program’s transition to AFCU has allowed for continued investment in local schools while honoring its original vision.

How to apply

Application period: Aug. 1–Sept. 30, 2025
Where: Apply online
Teacher Grant, or scan the QR code on program materials
Who’s eligible: K–12 educators in AFCU service areas
What to submit: A short proposal describing the classroom project, goals, anticipated impact and budget

Recipients will be announced in fall 2025, with grants awarded directly to educators for use on approved projects.

America First Credit Union Supports Service Members at 2025 Commanders Cup Tournament

Hill AFB represents Utah in national military soccer tournament hosted by Real Salt Lake

More than 400 active-duty service members from across the globe gathered in Utah this past weekend for the fourth annual Commanders Cup. The event is a military-only soccer tournament hosted by Real Salt Lake and supported by America First Credit Union.

Held July 18–20 across facilities in Herriman and Sandy, the tournament brought together 16 teams from bases stretching from Alaska to Georgia and even the Pacific Islands. Hill Air Force Base, located in Layton, Utah, represented Utah as the hometown team.

“This was about more than soccer—it was about honoring service and creating a sense of pride, unity, and belonging,” said Brett Greenwell, AFCU vice president member and partner relations. “To see Hill AFB suit up in a jersey we helped provide and compete at this level, right here in Utah, was something special.”

As part of its longstanding commitment to military communities, America First Credit Union sponsored Hill’s team and partnered with RSL to provide co-branded kits for the players. AFCU also served as game sponsor for RSL’s July 19 match against FC Cincinnati, distributing 300 free tickets to military personnel participating in the tournament. The credit union was originally founded to serve military members in Salt Lake City.

After group play, the semifinals and final match were held at America First Field in Sandy on Sunday, July 20. Fans in attendance were treated to complimentary hot dogs, hamburgers, and drinks courtesy of tournament sponsors. This year’s title went to Joint Base San Antonio, which topped the competition after three days of fast-paced matches.

The Commanders Cup has grown rapidly since its launch in 2022, expanding from six teams to 20 and drawing increased attention from the military community and supporters across the country. For America First Credit Union, the event is a reflection of its roots and ongoing aim to support military and other communities around the Western united states.

ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION

Now in its 86th year, America First Credit Union has grown from a single branch serving military personnel and federal employees into one of the strongest and most progressive credit unions in the country. The credit union is the largest in Utah, and has 115 locations across Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. It is also the fifth-largest credit union in America with more than 1.5 million members and more than $22 billion in assets. America First Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution dedicated to building communities and helping members do more with their money. Learn more at americafirst.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Dave Nellis

America First Credit Union

801.827.8606

dcnellis@americafirst.com