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College and University Loan Fund

In 1955 First Congregational Church developed the College and University Loan Fund (“CULF”) to assist students and their families with the expense of a college education. CULF is available to any member or active participant of First Congregation Church. There is no requirement to show need; your involvement in our church is the sole requirement for eligibility.

This year the loan amount per academic year has been increased to $2,000. A simple one-page application is the only paperwork required, and a loan of up to $2,000 can be obtained with one application per year. The loans are interest-free if repaid within the pay-back period.  See below for Detailed Information about the CULF and the Application Form.

This fund is made possible by the donations over the course of almost 60 years from members of First Church committed to the cause of assisting our young people – and indeed any of our Church family – in the effort to gain an education.

For more information about CULF or to arrange a loan, please contact Bob Goodchild, CULF treasurer, at 203-637-0763 or rgood1933@aol.com. You may also contact Debbie LaCivita at 203-698-0179 or dbltlc@gmail.com.

We look forward to hearing from you, and want to take this opportunity to offer our best wishes to all our students as they pursue their educational goals.

Detailed Information

• Loans are available to members or children of members or to others actively associated with First Congregational Church for college and post-graduate education.
• Loans are NOT need-based.  Anyone who meets the requirement of membership and/or active involvement in this church is eligible to receive a loan.
• All loans are interest-free, provided they are repaid within the repayment period outlined below.  Loans not repaid within the repayment period may be subject to interest.
• The annual loan amount has been increased to $2,000 per academic year with a maximum of $8,000 for four years of undergraduate education.
• An additional $2,000 may be borrowed as assistance for one year of post-graduate education, but the total amount of loans to one person may not exceed $10,000.
• In addition to the signature of the loan recipient, all loans must be co-signed by two adults, either both parents of the student or other responsible adults.
• The repayment period begins one year following the recipient’s graduation from college, completion of graduate work, or termination as a full-time student.
• Repayment may be in equal,  annual installments or other comparable payment plan approved by the Treasurer of the CULF. All loan payments must be completed within six years from the date of graduation from college, completion of graduate work, or termination as a full-time student.

Click here for the Application Form