Grants awarded through FHLBNY partnership, bringing total community investment to $100,000 for 2025 and 2026.
St. Thomas Federal Credit Union (STTFCU) proudly announces the award of $50,000 in grant funding to seven Virgin Islands organizations through the 2026 Small Business Recovery Grant Program (SBRGP), made possible by its continued partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY).
This latest funding reflects STTFCU’s ongoing commitment under the SBRGP partnership and brings the total funding secured for Virgin Islands organizations to $100,000 across 2025 and 2026. This milestone underscores a strong and sustained dedication to advancing community resilience, economic recovery, and long-term growth throughout the territory.
The 2026 grant recipients are:
- Reichhold Center for the Arts – $10,000
- St. Thomas Rescue – $10,000
- WTJX – $10,000
- Virgin Islands Children’s Museum – $5,000
- Virgin Islands Center for the Disabled Inc. – $5,000
- St. John School of the Arts – $5,000
- Family Resource Center (FRC) – $5,000
The Small Business Recovery Grant Program (SBRGP) is designed to provide essential financial support to small businesses and nonprofit organizations that have demonstrated resilience in the face of economic challenges. Through this initiative, FHLBNY promotes recovery, stability, and long-term growth in the communities it serves.
FHLBNY provides reliable funding to member institutions across New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, supporting housing, community development, and economic advancement. STTFCU is proud to collaborate with FHLBNY to bring these opportunities to the Virgin Islands, ensuring that local organizations receive the resources and recognition they deserve.
This funding reflects a values-driven partnership between STTFCU and FHLBNY an alliance rooted in a shared vision of resilience, renewal, and sustainable development.
“At a very young age, I found myself drawn to those in need, our elders, individuals facing hardship, and those whose voices are often unheard,” said Keisha L. Richards, CEO of STTFCU. “That calling to advocate and uplift others has stayed with me throughout my life, shaping who I am both personally and professionally.”
Today, I carry that same passion into my role at STTFCU, where I am grateful to be in a position to make a meaningful financial impact in our community. It is not enough to simply exist within our community; we must actively seek out ways to support it. We must find the resources, build the partnerships, and create opportunities that directly aid those in need.
Times are hard, but together, we can make a difference. We can extend compassion beyond words, turn intention into action, and ensure that our institutions serve as a force for good. I firmly believe that we all have a responsibility to use our roles, our platforms, and our resources to create real, lasting change and bring hope where it is needed most.”
Grant Recipient Highlights
The Family Resource Center (FRC), established in 1981, provides critical services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and elder abuse throughout the Virgin Islands. Through emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and outreach programs offered at no cost, FRC works to break the cycle of violence and empower families to heal and thrive.
The Reichhold Center for the Arts, located on the campus of the University of the Virgin Islands, is the territory’s premier performance venue. Dedicated to preserving and celebrating the artistic heritage of the Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean, the Center continues to enrich the community through performances, youth workshops, and cultural initiatives despite hurricane damage sustained in 2017.
St. Thomas Rescue is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization providing vital search and rescue services across land and sea. Its highly trained team plays a critical role in public safety, assisting residents and visitors in distress while supporting local emergency agencies.
WTJX, the Virgin Islands’ public broadcasting station, delivers educational, cultural, and informational programming that reflects the unique voice of the territory. Through television, digital media, and community engagement, WTJX promotes lifelong learning, civic awareness, and cultural preservation.
The Virgin Islands Children’s Museum fosters curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning experiences for children and families. Through interactive exhibits and educational programs, the museum supports early childhood development and inspires a lifelong love of learning.
The Virgin Islands Center for the Disabled Inc. provides essential services and advocacy for individuals with disabilities, promoting independence, accessibility, and inclusion through rehabilitation programs, education, and community outreach.
The St. John School of the Arts enriches the cultural fabric of the Virgin Islands by providing accessible arts education in music, dance, theater, and visual arts. Serving students of all ages, the organization fosters creativity, self-expression, and community connection.
STTFCU extends its warmest congratulations to all recipients on this well-earned recognition. The Credit Union remains confident that this funding will further strengthen each organization’s mission and expand its impact across the Virgin Islands.
About St. Thomas Federal Credit Union (STTFCU)
St. Thomas Federal Credit Union is a member-owned financial institution committed to delivering quality financial services while fostering economic empowerment and community development throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands.
About the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY)
The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York is a wholesale bank that provides funding and liquidity to member financial institutions to support housing and community development initiatives across its district.