The New York Credit Union Foundation of Albany said it has awarded $55,824 in grants to New York credit unions and credit union professionals in its latest grant cycle, which ran from January to May 2013.

The foundation awarded 45 professional development grants totaling $25,559 to employees and volunteers from 29 credit unions in throughout New York.

Twelve Financial Fitness grants totaling $23,374 were awarded to credit unions for technology purchases or improvements, marketing initiatives and new product offerings.

For example, the $5.6 million Sing Sing Employees FCU in Ossining was awarded $2,500 to purchase and install a home banking system software system, and the $2.6 million GRS Employees FCU in West Henrietta was awarded $981 to purchase a laptop, scanner and fax machine.

Four Smart Money grants totaling $6,891 were awarded to credit unions to support financial literacy workshops, events and summer programs, the foundation said.

The $21 million Syracuse Cooperative FCU was awarded $1,391 to help fund a Mad City Money event at a local high school, for example, and the $57 million UFirst FCU in Plattsburgh was awarded $1,500 to offer a financial literacy summer program for underprivileged children in the local community.

Allison Barna, director of NYCUF/Community Development, said these grants not only benefit credit unions but also the communities they serve.