Skip to main content

John S. Walsh Memorial Scholarship

MFCU Founder John S. WalshJohn S. Walsh Memorial Scholarship

Founded on service and community, Members First Credit Union traces its roots to Manchester firefighter John S. Walsh, who established the credit union in 1949—originally known as the Manchester Municipal Employees Credit Union.

Walsh initially operated the credit union out of his briefcase at the Somerville Street fire station, serving fellow municipal employees and helping them access fair financial services when options were limited. His belief in strengthening financial stability for public servants laid a foundation of cooperative support that has guided the credit union through decades of growth.

>> Meet our 2025 John S. Walsh Memorial Scholarship recipient

In the 1950s, the credit union moved into Manchester’s City Hall and later expanded its membership beyond municipal workers, ultimately opening membership to anyone living, working, or attending school in New Hampshire. Today, Members First serves communities across the region while staying true to the cooperative principles Walsh championed.

The John S. Walsh Memorial Scholarship honors his passion for public service, community involvement, and the credit union movement. It reflects Walsh’s commitment to helping others build secure financial futures and supports students connected to the Manchester community as they pursue higher education and continue the legacy of service and stewardship that defined his life and the institution he founded.

General Elibility Requirements

All applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a member of Members First Credit Union of New Hampshire for at least one year by the application deadline OR have a parent or legal guardian who has been a member for at least one year.
  • Be a full-time student currently enrolled in, or accepted to, an accredited undergraduate college or university.
  • Meet any additional eligibility requirements specific to this scholarship.
  • Submit a complete application.
  • Provide a current academic transcript.

Applicants may receive a maximum of two scholarships over their lifetime.

Additional Eligibility for This Scholarship

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Be currently employed by the City of Manchester or the Manchester School District OR
  • Have a parent who is currently employed by or retired from the City of Manchester or the Manchester School District

Please complete the scholarship application using the form below.