Hopewell Federal Credit Union earns Community Development Certification to better serve Licking, Franklin and Delaware Counties
Federal Government recognizes key role of community development financial institutions
HEATH/NEWARK/JOHNSTOWN, OH (April 17, 2023) — Hard-working members of Licking, Franklin and Delaware Counties have not received the economic opportunities they deserve. Hopewell Federal Credit Union is working to make a difference in the lives of our members, consumers and our community.
The U.S. Treasury Department’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund recently certified Hopewell Federal Credit Union as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). This designation is available only to organizations that have proven they provide financial services and products in communities that historically have lacked lack access to traditional banking services. CDFI Certification is granted with the purpose of generating economic growth and opportunity in some of our nation’s most distressed communities.
“With potential CDFI resources, we will grow our loan and deposit programs to give opportunities to and reach more underserved and underbanked families and businesses in our communities.”
Chris Simmons, CEO/President of Hopewell Federal Credit Union
The CDFI Fund was established in 1994 to boost lending and community development through certified CDFI lenders, allowing them to expand their reach into in economically distressed areas and underserved communities. CDFI Certification opens opportunities for institutions to access CDFI Fund grants, which must be used to support financially vulnerable residents and communities.
About Hopewell Federal Credit Union
Hopewell Federal Credit Union, a community leader serving Licking, Franklin, and Delaware counties, is a well-established credit union and not-for-profit financial cooperative that is owned by its members. They provide a full range of financial services including savings and checking accounts, loan products, and business accounts. HFCU operates with the mission of helping its members get ahead financially and serves anyone who lives, works or worships in Licking, Franklin, and Delaware Counties.
About CU Strategic Planning
For 15 years, CU Strategic Planning is the No. 1 CDFI certification and grant-writing firm for credit unions in the U.S. Through grants, strategic and tactical planning, DEIBA consulting, HERO Community Development Financial Counselor training, community summit facilitation and more, CU Strategic Planning achieves its mission to unlock opportunities for credit unions to change lives and their communities. CU Strategic Planning’s funding procured for CDFI credit unions has reached $800 million.
If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule any interviews, please contact Audra Johns at (740) 522-8311 or email ajohns@hopewellfcu.org
