Press
National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions Announces Citi Funded Initiatives to Cultivate Future Leaders, Enhance Technology
Programs Aimed at Reaching Younger Customer Base, Increasing Efficiency
BALTIMORE, MD (June 12, 2013) The National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions (Federation) today announced two far-reaching initiatives that invest in the future of community credit unions. Funded by $375,000 in contributions from Citi Community Development, both initiatives will help build the systems and the leadership needed to continue delivering high-quality financial services to low- and moderate-income communities in the U.S.
Today, the average age of CEOs at community development credit unions is nearly 60 and the median age for credit union members is 47. To ensure that credit unions continue to focus on developing a pipeline of future leaders to better serve members of all ages, particularly younger members, the Federation has created a program called Cooperative Finance Leaders for America (CFLA). A $125,000 grant from Citi will fund six-month fellowship programs in up to 15 participating credit unions serving some of the most impoverished and financially underserved communities in the country. CFLA’s intensive training program will include a two-week summer institute, including one week of in-person training in New York City, online training, and ongoing support throughout the six-month program.
Simultaneously, an additional $250,000 in support from Citi will enable the Federation to create uniform, shared procedures for back-office processing and services, including technical support, member service and accounting support teams. The new procedures will increase efficiency and enable consistent delivery of services to millions of families who now have limited access to affordable financial products and services.
The Federation’s network includes 244 community development credit unions in 45 states, serving over 1.7 million predominantly low- and moderate-income customers.
“Community development credit unions empower low-income families to gain access to essential financial services. This is about building the right platform for credit unions to help low-and moderate-income people achieve financial independence,” said Federation CEO Cathy Mahon.
“Community development credit unions fill a critical gap in access to banking services and credit for low-income and minority communities,” said Bob Annibale, Citi Global Director of Community Development and Microfinance. “Developing future leadership talent with the skills necessary to connect with and serve a diverse customer base is critically important to the future growth of credit unions across the country. Similarly, streamlining and standardizing the processing of information and activity will ensure that credit unions continue to meet the needs of underserved customers.”
A complete description of the CFLA program can be found on the Federation’s website at www.cdcu.coop.
National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions
The National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions (Federation) is a certified CDFI Intermediary representing more than 250 community development credit unions (CDCUs). The Federation’s member CDCUs provide credit, savings, transaction services and financial education to more than 2.2 million residents of low-income urban, rural and reservation-based communities across the United States, and hold over $15 billion in community-controlled assets. Founded in 1974, the Federation is headquartered in Lower Manhattan with offices in Colorado Springs, CO and Madison, WI. The Federation offers a wide range of advocacy, educational, training, investment, marketing, and outreach programs to support and assist CDCUs.
Citi Community Development
Citi Community Development (CCD) is leading Citi’s commitment to achieve economic empowerment and growth for underserved individuals, families and communities by expanding access to financial products and services, and building sustainable business solutions and innovative partnerships. Our focus areas include: commercial and philanthropic funding; innovative financial products and services; and collaborations with institutions that expand access to financial products and services for low-income and underserved communities. For more information, please visit www.citigroup.com/community.