Matthew Tress, a Baltimore County school teacher, founded First Financial Federal Credit Union in 1953. Started by Baltimore County Public Schools staff for BCPS staff, First Financial has grown from one person and $5 in a cigar box that Mr. Tress kept at home to over 71,000 members and $1.2 billion in assets.
FFFCU serves not only employees, we welcome students and their families as well. First Financial representatives regularly attend new hire/new educator orientations, recruiting fairs, and on-site engagements with Transportation, Nutrition Services, Support Services, Finance, and other BCPS departments. Over 30% of First Financial members are BCPS-affiliated.
Photo Gallery
2025-10-17
First Financial Supports the 11th Annual Tee Off for Team BCPS Golf Tournament
On October 29th, First Financial Federal Credit Union recognized and celebrated Baltimore County Public School (BCPS) educators by awarding ten $1,000 Putting Students First Grants during a ceremony at its Administrative Center. This marks the third year of a five-year commitment to the BCPS grant program. The Putting Students First Grant was established by First […]
First Financial Federal Credit Union recently expanded their support of the TU Outstanding Young Women’s Leadership Program with a $30,000 sponsorship benefitting students from Baltimore County Public Schools and now, Carroll County Public Schools. The Outstanding Young Women Leaders program offers select high school students from Baltimore and Carroll County the opportunity to develop essential […]
To support the graduating class of 2025 in the local youth community, First Financial Federal Credit Union has awarded $165,000 in scholarships to 55 graduating seniors for post-secondary education through its Scholarship Program. The program is open to graduating students who attend Baltimore, Carroll, Worcester, and Somerset County Public Schools as well as private schools […]
Beginning with a $50,000 grant in 2018, First Financial has supported The Boys & Girls Clubs of Carroll County every year. The $50,000 grant supports the organization’s Power Hour: Making Minutes Count Program, which provides tutoring and homework assistance, test preparation, and more. The Power Hour has a proven track record for helping students acquire new skills and become more confident learners, which helps to drive academic success for the Clubs’ youth. First Financial offers youth programming and is a proud sponsor/donor of their annual holiday drive for youth club members.
Photo Gallery
2025-08-05
Boys & Girls Clubs of Carroll County Lemonade Stand 2025
In preparation for the 2025-26 academic school year, First Financial Federal Credit Union has partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carroll County to donate $34,568 in support of their Power Hour program. This after-school initiative will provide homework support, tutoring, and creative learning opportunities beyond the classroom. This donation will enable the Clubs […]
First Financial Federal Credit Union (FFFCU), a member-owned credit union that prioritizes giving back, concluded 2023 with over $35,000 in donations and support to several local community partners within the Baltimore, Carroll, Somerset, and Worcester County areas. Overall, First Financial donated over $300,000 to community partners and organizations throughout 2023. Most recently, FFFCU joined WBAL […]
Carroll Community College provides accessible, high-quality educational opportunities to advance careers, enrich lives, and strengthen the community. Sharing the same commitment to higher education, making a positive impact, and serving Carroll County at large, First Financial has proudly partnered with Carroll Community College since 2004.
In support of the students and programs at the college, First Financial has been active in various scholarship and sponsorship opportunities, and the launch of Carroll’s Intercollegiate Athletics Program.
Press Releases
First Financial Federal Credit Union deepened its commitment to the Carroll County community by donating a total of $35,000 to benefit three Carroll County partner organizations. The credit union recently pledged $100,000 over a 5-year period to the Carroll Community College Foundation. Beginning in 2023 through the 2027/2028 school year, First Financial will donate $20,000 each year […]
First Financial Federal Credit Union has proudly partnered with Carroll County Public School system employees, students and family members since 1994. First Financial provides members with the highest quality financial services to help them reach their financial goals. We continue to make a positive impact in the school community through our annual scholarship program, youth classroom programming, and various sponsorship opportunities for employees and students alike.
Press Releases
First Financial Federal Credit Union recently expanded their support of the TU Outstanding Young Women’s Leadership Program with a $30,000 sponsorship benefitting students from Baltimore County Public Schools and now, Carroll County Public Schools. The Outstanding Young Women Leaders program offers select high school students from Baltimore and Carroll County the opportunity to develop essential […]
To support the graduating class of 2025 in the local youth community, First Financial Federal Credit Union has awarded $165,000 in scholarships to 55 graduating seniors for post-secondary education through its Scholarship Program. The program is open to graduating students who attend Baltimore, Carroll, Worcester, and Somerset County Public Schools as well as private schools […]
To support the graduating class of 2024 in the local youth community, First Financial Federal Credit Union has granted 54 graduating seniors a total of $162,000 in scholarships for post-secondary institutions through its Scholarship Program. The program is open to graduating students who attend Baltimore, Carroll, Worcester, and Somerset County Public Schools as well as […]
The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools develops and sponsors initiatives that provide resources to serve students, educators, and schools. Their initiatives also aim to promote a positive culture and climate in every school in the county. First Financial has partnered with the Education Foundation to support school supply drives, the BCPSFest, new educator orientation events, State of the Schools, the Inspiring Hope Gala, and Champions for Children (Teacher and Principal of the Year) programs.
In partnership with the Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, First Financial created the Putting Students First Grant, to support innovative educational programming developed by BCPS educators. Grant funding is utilized to plan exciting learning experiences and to purchase additional resources and supplies to meet the individual needs of the students and classrooms.
Cindy Jones, First Financial’s Youth Outreach Manager, serves as the President of the Education Foundation. Additionally, First Financial’s Senior Relationship Manager, Joan Pugh, has been appointed to the board of directors and will serve as Committee Chair of the Foundation’s Exchangeree at Windsor Mill.
Photo Gallery
2025-10-17
First Financial Supports the 11th Annual Tee Off for Team BCPS Golf Tournament
In a ceremony held on October 30th, First Financial Federal Credit Union recognized and celebrated Baltimore County Public School (BCPS) educators by awarding 10, $1,000 Putting Students First Grants. This is the third of a five-year commitment to the BCPS grant program totaling $50,000. The Putting Students First Grant was created by First Financial, in […]
First Financial Federal Credit Union (FFFCU) has announced that its Youth Outreach Manager, Cindy Jones, has been appointed to President of the Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS). “Since 2018, Cindy has been an energetic, hardworking, very dedicated, and passionate board member and leader who supports the mission and values of the Foundation. As a visionary […]
