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The CDFI Briefing
As-it-happens policy and legislative updates for CDFI credit unions - updated Wednesday, July 9
Mike Beall, CUDE, Chief Experience Officer
2 days ago22 min read


It's Time to Start Planning Your FY 2026 CDFI FA or TA Application Now!
Here’s What Credit Unions Need to Know A successful application for a CDFI Financial Assistance (FA) Awards requires ample time to...
Christopher Verdsoci, CUDE
May 293 min read


How Strategy Shapes Credit Union Loan Portfolios
Improving your balance sheet isn’t just a best practice—it’s a survival strategy. But as I talk with credit union leaders across the...
Joe Brancucci, EVP CU Results
May 283 min read


Upcoming Webinar: All Things CDFI
May 28 at 10:00 Pacific/1:00 Eastern Join our CDFI experts for a timely and in-depth webinar covering the CDFI Fund topics of importance,...
CU Strategic Planning
May 151 min read


What CDFIs Need to Know About the President’s 2026 Budget Proposal
The President’s FY 2026 budget request, released May 2, proposes to eliminate discretionary award funding for the CDFI Fund, retaining...
CU Strategic Planning
May 83 min read


Why Credit Unions Should Consider Scenario Planning
Credit unions can use this strategic tool to imagine a range of plausible futures and explore how they might respond.
Stacy Augustine
Apr 182 min read


Raghavan Speaks on CDFIs
Raghavan also addressed the process of building the new CDFI certification framework—including the recertification process for all existing
Mike Beall, CUDE, Chief Experience Officer
Mar 63 min read


Ft. Randall FCU: We Think We Can, We Know We Can
The credit union has been working with CU Strategic Planning since 2021, when they applied for and received certification from the Community
CU Strategic Planning
Feb 273 min read


America’s First Black Credit Unions
Black Americans have relied on cooperatives since the 19th century, when both free and enslaved Black people would pool their money to pay f
CU Strategic Planning
Feb 183 min read


Celebrating Shirley Senn’s Legacy and Her New Mission to Support Small Credit Unions
Over her ten years with us, Shirley has been an integral part of our team, helping CU Strategic Planning secure over $1 billion in awards an
Vanessa Henry
Dec 18, 20242 min read


All Things CDFI - News for CDFI Credit Unions
December 17, 2024 Welcome to our new recurring series, “All Things CDFI.” Mike will share the latest updates on CDFI Fund news, deadlines...
Mike Beall, CUDE, Chief Experience Officer
Dec 17, 20241 min read


NCUA Guidance Letter Issued on Overdraft and NSF Fees
Key takeaways from the NCUA's guidance: Charging multiple NSF fees on the same expense (i.e. charging a fee on a represented item) is likely
CU Strategic Planning
Dec 11, 20242 min read


How to Manage Your Credit Union’s Risk When Lending in Lower Credit Tiers
If credit unions are going to be a relevant player in the lending marketplace they will need to take calculated risks while mitigating risk
Joe Brancucci, EVP CU Results
Nov 25, 20243 min read


TA Awards Go to 100% of Our Credit Union Applicants
All 15 credit unions that CU Strategic Planning helped apply for Technical Assistance awards received the $300,000 maximum award.
CU Strategic Planning
Nov 22, 20242 min read


10 Steps to Take NOW for CDFI Recertification Success
We've pulled together ten steps you can take before the end of the year to help secure your credit union's CDFI recertification.
Vanessa Henry
Oct 31, 20244 min read


A Closer Look at the 2024 CDFI Fund FA Awards
Last month, the CDFI Fund announced its 2024 Financial Assistance (FA) Awards , covering a two-year application cycle and granting $408.2...
CU Strategic Planning
Oct 30, 20242 min read


After 30 Years, the CDFI Fund Continues to Fuel Economic Development
CU Strategic Planning’s work with CDFI credit unions is central to our North Star: unlocking opportunities for credit unions to change lives
CU Strategic Planning
Sep 30, 20244 min read


81 CDFI CU Grants Push CU Strategic Planning Clients’ Total to Over $1 Billion
CU Strategic Planning clients account for 60% of all CDFI FA Awards granted to credit unions this round.
Vanessa Henry
Sep 27, 20242 min read
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