Community is at the heart of everything we do

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 is now live. Check out the following resources to learn more about preparing your submission and apply online today! 

• Community Grant Program - Application Guide 
• Community Grant Program - Online Application
• 2024 Recipients and Project Summaries 

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. 

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. 

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.

• AECU Scholarship Guide 
• AECU Scholarship Application

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.

• A. F. Walker Scholarship Guide
• A. F. Walker Scholarship Application

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.

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.