Ottawa – November 28, 2023 – Alterna Savings is excited to announce the 2023 Financial Inclusion Granting Program recipients. These grants support innovative programs that address financial literacy and financial inclusion issues among underserved communities, the receipient programs align with this year’s Financial Literacy Month theme of “Managing Your Money in a Changing World”.

This year's two recipient organizations are Ottawa Community Loan Fund (OCLF), and Abigail’s Learning Centre (Abigail’s). Approximately $40,000 was disbursed between these two organizations.

"It is a privilege for Alterna to champion transformative initiatives that uplift our communities," says Rob Paterson, Alterna President and CEO.  "At a time when financial uncertainties touch many Canadians, these Financial Inclusion Grants enable us to collaboratively engage with community organizations.  Together we strive to provide invaluable financial education and services to underserved communities, empowering individuals to cultivate personal resilience and financial well-being. This, in essence, becomes the bedrock for strengthening the economic vitality of communities."

About the 2023 grant recipients

Ottawa Community Loan Fund is an incorporated non-profit registered charity working for financial empowerment in the Ottawa area.  Their core offering has been unbiased financial literacy to newcomers, which is much needed by clients in these challenging times. "We are thrilled to receive this grant from Alterna Savings," says Jane Duchscher, Executive Director. "With this funding, we will provide greater depth in our workshop offerings, such as the Budgeting/Savings and Taxes/Benefits to ensure their financial health and a prosperous future."

Abigail’s Learning Centre helps to support parents to build sustainable livelihood skills to benefit the whole family. They assist parents with meeting their individual education and parenting goals and add to a collection of learning practices and materials. "Thanks to Alterna's Financial Inclusion Granting Program, we can provide Abigail’s learners with an opportunity to learn how to create strong consistent saving habits with a monetary incentive upon completion," says Stephanie Hutchinson, Executive Director.

To learn more about Alterna's Financial Inclusion Granting Program, Community Financial Education Program, and other support and resources for charitable and nonprofit organizations, visit alterna.ca.

About Alterna Savings
Alterna Savings and Credit Union Limited (Alterna) has been the good in banking® for over 115 years. Alterna is made up of Alterna Savings and Credit Union Limited and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Alterna Bank.

As the first full-service, member-owned cooperative financial institution outside Quebec, Alterna Savings shares its expertise with over 210,000 members through a network of over 40 branches across Ontario, as well as call centre and digital channels. Members and customers also benefit from an industry-leading online brokerage, investment management services, and have access to over 43,000 surcharge-free ATMs in North America with THE EXCHANGE Network in Canada and the Allpoint Network in the US.

For more information contact:

Kim Moseley, Vice President, Product & Marcomm
Alterna Savings | Alterna Bank
Kim.Moseley@alterna.ca