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Community Reinvestment Delivering on Our Promise of Better Banking for All

Communities succeed when individuals, families, and businesses thrive. Credit Union 1 is committed to helping all of our members reach their financial milestones, through our products and services, financial wellbeing initiatives, and dedicated member service. And CU1 has formed deep relationships in our communities that are bigger than banking. Through community partnerships, financial education initiatives, employee-led drives and volunteer efforts, and donations to worthy organizations, CU1 goes beyond traditional financial services to show up for our communities.

Community Reinvestment
Inclusive Products

Inclusive Products & Services

 

Each member’s financial journey is unique, and CU1 offers diverse products that meet our members where they are at. Credit Union 1 offers checking and savings products to help members save, budget and spend securely; mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, and home equity loans to help them reach financial goals; and investment products to help plan for the future.

Many of CU1’s products are intended to help support members with additional needs, including Second Chance Checking1 and Credit Saver Loans. No Down Payment Mortgages2 and the Down Payment Plus® Program*, help make home ownership achievable for more members.

Credit Union 1 also has branches in banking deserts in the Chicagoland area, ensuring underbanked communities have the opportunities for financial success. CU1 has also lent out $75 million in loans at reduced rates in key opportunity zones, which have a lower median household income than other areas in the state and significant Black and Hispanic populations.

CU1 Cares Community Involvement

Community Involvement

 

CU1 Cares is the cornerstone of our community involvement. Through CU1 Cares, CU1 and our team members conduct financial wellbeing seminars, participate in community events, and donate both time and money to help strengthen our communities. So far in 2025, our team has:

  • Hosted 156 financial wellbeing seminars in schools and community organizations
  • Donated more than 15,000 items through company-wide supply drives
  • Volunteered for 177 hours to support worthwhile causes
  • Awarded the CU1 Financial Knowledge Scholarship, which supports graduating seniors from DeKalb, Sycamore, and Plano high schools.

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University of Illinois Chicago

As an official University of Illinois Chicago Banking Partner, Credit Union 1 has committed $750,000 in scholarship money over the duration of our partnership. UIC is one of the most diverse public research institutions in the country, and 1 out of 3 UIC students speaks a language other than English at home. UIC is a Minority-Serving Institution (MSI); a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI). Credit Union 1 is proud to offer scholarships that help to support the next generation of leaders.

Supporting Student Athletes

Credit Union 1 supports student-athletes on and off the field with our many conference partnerships. CU1 has also partnered with University of Notre Dame athletes to give back to the community. CU1 worked with Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love to give a banking basics seminar to local high school students, focusing on how smart money choices early in life help to build a strong foundation for the future. CU1 also supported Notre Dame basketball player Markus Burton's youth basketball camp as a key sponsor, helping him bring a positive experience to young athletes in the community.

Golic Family Foundation

Credit Union 1 is proud to partner with The Golic Family Foundation, a charitable organization started by former NFL player and veteran sportscaster Mike Golic and his Family. Together, we distribute grants to local nonprofits serving the South Bend community and beyond.

Grant recipients include organizations like The Beacon Resource Center, Youth Service Bureau of St. Joseph's County, Play Like a Champion Today, the McKenna Center, and more that provide resources and assistance to underserved communities.

Financial Education

 

Credit Union 1 supports lifelong financial learning for both CU1 members and members of our communities through seminars, online tools, and personalized learning resources. As part of our ongoing commitment to financial education, CU1 offers:

CU1 for All

Diversity & Inclusion

 

Credit Union 1 fosters a culture where diversity and inclusion are fundamental to how we operate and serve.

Within Credit Union 1, our team members are encouraged to embrace and seek diverse perspectives, learn from one another, and earn trust. We value contributions from everyone and support an inclusive culture by eliminating barriers and providing resources, so everyone has an equal chance to thrive.

When serving members, we believe in the credit union principle of “people helping people.” At CU1, that means all people, including unbanked and underbanked individuals and businesses. CU1 offers a variety of financial products and services designed to build financial empowerment and help our members achieve their maximum economic potential.

CU1 Cares Monthly Roundups

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Request a Copy of Credit Union 1’s ICRA File

 

To view a full electronic copy of Credit Union 1’s ICRA file, please submit the form below.

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Credit Union 1 is celebrating 67 years of helping individuals, families and communities reach their financial goals. Learn More

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