MADISON, Wis.–Credit unions and credit union organizations can now apply for a Bite of Reality App Grant from the National Credit Union Foundation.
Applications are open through August 31. The Foundation said it is looking to distribute up to $50,000 in grant funds to credit union organizations as part of this effort.
The California-based RMJ Foundation developed a Bite of Reality App to “modernize reality fairs and add technology to the in-person reality fair experience, allowing students to use their mobile phone or tablet during the fair in place of pen and paper,” according to the NCUF.
“Using media that is second nature to them allows students to fully immerse into the reality fair experience,” the Foundation said.
The Bite of Reality App replaces student materials - notebooks, calculators, pencils, checkbooks, and worksheets – while still requiring the students to engage with the volunteers and navigate the hard sales environment that is integral to the reality fair experience.
‘Profound Effectiveness’
“The Foundation has seen first-hand the profound effectiveness of Reality Fairs for over ten years. We are proud to fund the opportunity to bring technology, additional scale and reach to the reality fair experience through the Bite of Reality App,” said Gigi Hyland, Foundation executive director.
The NCUF said its support has allowed the app to be customized and used by others across the credit union movement. Benefits of utilizing the app include gained efficiencies and savings on the purchase, storage, and shipping of student materials, the NCUF added.
According to the Foundation, credit unions that have used the app have seen increased engagement by students and the simplified process allows students to complete the fair in less time with fewer volunteers.
The Foundation is funding up to $5,000 per organization to cover the cost of basic customization of the app.
Click Here for the Request for Proposals (RFP) Document (pdf)