At Atlantic Edge Credit Union, our success is linked to the success of our communities. We are committed to investing financial and nonfinancial resources to contribute to the sustainable wealth and well-being of our communities. For this reason, we are proud to fund the Community Grant Program.
We believe strong communities are built through partnership, support, and shared purpose. Our Community Grant Program provides funding to local organizations, initiatives, and events that align with our values and create meaningful, measurable impact. Whether it's supporting youth, enhancing wellness, promoting sustainability, or fostering inclusion, we're proud to help make good things happen in our communities.
Our Community Grant Program opens for applications on September 1st! Review our Application Guide to learn more and get a head start on preparing your submission.
Community is at the heart of everything we do
In our community
At AECU, our dedication to local families, businesses, and organizations is unwavering. We don’t just serve our communities—we strengthen them. Our commitment goes beyond banking, with initiatives like the annual Community Grant Program, the local Community Enhancement Funds, the Warm Coats for Kids Program, and paid employee volunteer time, and much, much more. While others may focus on profits, we focus on people.
Financial literacy
Youth education
Economic development
Environmental sustainabilty
How we give back
Community Grant Program
Community Enhancement Fund
The Community Enhancement Fund is a weekly 50/50 fundraiser dedicated to supporting the people and places we call home. As a credit union, we believe that when our communities thrive, we all benefit. This initiative is one of the many ways we go above and beyond to invest in local impact. Rooted in the seven co-operative principles that guide everything we do, the 50/50 draw is open and voluntary, with equal chances to win and equal opportunities to give back. For every ticket sold, one dollar goes into the prize and one dollar into our community fund. All proceeds stay local—supporting programs, projects, and initiatives in the branch communities where funds are raised. Each branch backs causes that matter most to their members, with staff empowered to recommend and direct donations to organizations making a difference.
Contact your local branch or email us at info@aecu.ca to learn more about how you can participate.
Contact your local branch or email us at info@aecu.ca to learn more about how you can participate.
Each One Teach One Financial Literacy Program
We’re proud to offer Each One, Teach One workshops - free, community-based sessions led by certified volunteer trainers from our credit union. These workshops are designed to share basic, easy-to-understand financial knowledge with no strings attached. There are no sales pitches or product tie-ins - just practical, empowering information to help individuals and families make informed financial decisions with confidence. If you're part of a group or organization that could benefit from these workshops, we’d love to connect! Contact your local branch or email us at info@aecu.ca to learn more.
Volunteering in our Communities
We are proud to invest in and enrich our communities through volunteerism. Since 2022, our dedicated staff have contributed over 7,000 volunteer hours, demonstrating a deep commitment to giving back. In addition to their personal volunteer efforts, each staff member is encouraged to use up to 15 hours of paid work time annually to support causes and organizations that matter most to them. As a credit union, we also take part in volunteering at community events as a team, supporting the initiatives that are most important to our members and the communities we serve.
Scholarships
Atlantic Edge Scholarship Program
Education is foundational to the economic and social stability of our communities. In addition to our wide range of student products and services, we are pleased to support an annual scholarship program. Through this program, we aim to promote, recognize, and encourage the qualities of good citizenship and co-operation.
A.F.Walker Scholarship
Atlantic Edge Credit Union administers a scholarship annually on behalf of A. F. (Gus) Walker. This scholarship commemorates the unique contribution made by Gus Walker in the creation of Brook Street Credit Union.
Education is foundational to the economic and social stability of our communities. In addition to our wide range of student products and services, we are pleased to support an annual scholarship program. Through this program, we aim to promote, recognize, and encourage the qualities of good citizenship and co-operation.
A.F.Walker Scholarship
Atlantic Edge Credit Union administers a scholarship annually on behalf of A. F. (Gus) Walker. This scholarship commemorates the unique contribution made by Gus Walker in the creation of Brook Street Credit Union.
Warm Coats for Kids Program
Necessities like warm winter clothing can be hard to come by when food, shelter, heat, and medical costs take priority. The Warm Coats for Kids program was developed in response to these challenges and exists to help provide children in need with a brand-new winter coat. By providing a new coat, a child is not only provided with warmth, but also a boost in confidence, inclusion, and self-worth. Our Warm Coats for Kids Program provides more than a warm coat for a child. Thanks to our wonderful community partners and members, over 2,000 warm coats have been gifted to children in need since the program was established in 2018.
Cooperative Principles
At Atlantic Edge Credit Union, we proudly follow the internationally recognized Co-operative Principles, which reflect our deep commitment to democratic values, community well-being, and member-first service. These principles—such as voluntary membership, democratic member control, concern for community, and education—guide how we operate every day. As a co-operative, we're more than a financial institution—we're a member-owned organization working together to build a more inclusive, sustainable, and people-centered economy.
1. Voluntary and Open Membership
Cooperatives are voluntary organisations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
2. Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organisations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are also organised in a democratic manner.
3. Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing their cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
4. Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organisations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organisations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
5. Education, Training, and Information
Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public - particularly young people and opinion leaders - about the nature and benefits of co-operation.
6. Cooperation among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
7. Concern for Community
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
1. Voluntary and Open Membership
Cooperatives are voluntary organisations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
2. Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are democratic organisations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. In primary cooperatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and cooperatives at other levels are also organised in a democratic manner.
3. Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. At least part of that capital is usually the common property of the cooperative. Members usually receive limited compensation, if any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing their cooperative, possibly by setting up reserves, part of which at least would be indivisible; benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the cooperative; and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
4. Autonomy and Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organisations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreements with other organisations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their members and maintain their cooperative autonomy.
5. Education, Training, and Information
Cooperatives provide education and training for their members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their co-operatives. They inform the general public - particularly young people and opinion leaders - about the nature and benefits of co-operation.
6. Cooperation among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.
7. Concern for Community
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their members.
Need help with a community initiative?
We're always looking for opportunities to make great things happen in our community.
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Our community account package
As part of our commitment to community investment, we’re proud to offer free account packages for local nonprofits, charities, and community organizations. These accounts help keep valuable resources where they’re needed most—supporting the programs, services, and people that make our communities stronger.
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Copyright 2025 Atlantic Edge Credit Union. All rights reserved.
Copyright 2025 Atlantic Edge Credit Union. All rights reserved.
