FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Ulster Savings Bank Partners with GoVA Foundation to Expand Financial Education for Military Families in Orange and Dutchess Counties 

KINGSTON, NY (February 25, 2026) — GoVA Foundation announces a strategic partnership with Ulster Savings Bank to provide free digital financial education resources to military families in Orange and Dutchess counties through GoVA’s innovative platform, The Edge. 

Through a Community Development grant from Ulster Savings Bank, the program will serve military households across the bank’s New York assessment areas, with specific focus on Orange and Dutchess counties. The Edge platform offers interactive courses, financial calculators, and other digital resources designed to build financial empowerment within the military community. 

“Our veterans and their families have given this nation more than we can ever repay. Their courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment inspire us every day. By supporting financial literacy programs, we’re not just providing education, we’re empowering them to unlock new possibilities, strengthen futures, and honor their service with meaningful action. By investing in the GoVA Foundation to advance financial literacy, we are helping ensure that veterans have access to the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to build strong financial futures,” says Bill Calderara, President & CEO of Ulster Savings Bank. 

GoVA Foundation’s Executive Director, George Earhart, stated: “As an Air Force veteran, I’ve personally witnessed the unique financial challenges that military families face. This partnership with Ulster Savings Bank allows us to provide critical financial education resources to those who need it most in New York’s military community. We’re grateful for Ulster Savings Bank’s commitment to supporting veterans, service members at Stewart Air National Guard Base, and their families across Orange and Dutchess counties.” 

The partnership launched in January 2026 and reflects both organizations’ commitment to supporting military communities and expanding financial education access. Ulster Savings Bank will receive LMI verification and impact reports as part of the grant agreement, while sponsored military members gain unlimited access to The Edge’s financial education tools for a full year. The partnership also includes digital webinar opportunities where Ulster Savings Bank employees can directly engage with military families in their communities. 

This collaboration is part of GoVA Foundation’s ongoing efforts to partner with innovative financial institutions nationwide in service of military families. 

About GoVA Foundation 

GoVA Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering military families through innovative financial education and resources. GoVA addresses the unique financial challenges many military families face. Through its digital education platform The Edge, GoVA provides comprehensive financial literacy tools, interactive courses, and personalized resources tailored to the needs of service members, veterans, and their spouses. The platform features a mobile-optimized design to ensure accessibility for military families regardless of location. GoVA Foundation has served over 8,000 military families across all 50 states and maintains partnerships with forward-thinking financial institutions. The organization’s mission includes advocacy for military financial wellness and suicide prevention, recognizing the critical link between financial stress and military mental health outcomes. 

About Ulster Savings Bank 

Ulster Savings Bank is the #1 community bank lender in the Hudson Valley. Headquartered in Kingston, New York, Ulster Savings Bank has a total of 16 locations in Ulster, Dutchess and Orange counties. Ulster Savings Bank is a $1.3 billion mutual savings bank with a locally focused lending approach that is relationship-driven.  

Contact: Lizann Lightfoot, Director of Marketing 

GoVA Foundation 
Email: Lizann.Lightfoot@GoVAFoundation.org