Why Most Credit Unions Struggle and How We Make the Process Easier
Becoming and staying Certified is complex:
Secure funding. Expand lending. Deepen your impact. Our unique approach to CDFI Certification, Grant Writing, Reporting, and Compliance is purpose-built for credit unions—streamlining complexity and delivering industry-leading results.
Credit unions face increasing challenges, but those with CDFI Certification are growing stronger.
Declining numbers across the industry
Rising costs and regulatory burdens
Difficulty attracting younger members
Technology and infrastructure
Operational efficiency and compliance
Lending and financial product expansion
Community engagement and outreach
Track record: Our clients win FA grants at a 57% rate as of the 2025 cycle, ahead of the 52% industry average. Typical awards range from $400,000 to $700,000. For credit unions that apply once a year, our conservative model shows a 5.3x return on investment over six years.
Becoming and staying Certified is complex:
Our custom-built software, combined with strategic expertise, ensures that our clients can obtain certification more easily, monitor it seamlessly, and never risk losing it.
Real-time Monitoring:
Review your current data and eligibility.
Compliance Assurance:
Never risk losing certification with proactive alerts and recommendations.
Credit unions may appear to fall below the CDFI Fund’s 60% Target Market Lending requirement because lending in certain census tracts does not qualify under standard Investment Area definitions. Even when activity spans distressed communities, loans in nearby non-qualified tracts may not count toward the Target Market calculation.
Custom Investment Areas allow a credit union to define a geographically contiguous area that meets the CDFI Fund’s economic distress criteria at the aggregate level. By aligning the Investment Area definition with the institution’s actual lending footprint, loans in certain previously non-qualifying tracts can be included in the Target Market calculation, which often increases the reported Target Market Lending percentage and can move an institution above the 60% threshold, strengthening readiness for CDFI certification.
Forward Flow Partners provide a consistent pipeline of CDFI-qualifying loans
Leverage loan participants to help meet CDFI requirements
Target households for CDFI purposes through custom marketing lists
Integrate CDFI Target Market Qualification into your credit union’s existing workflows
Our team brings decades of experience in credit union mergers, strategic planning, and financial modeling.
Armand is a seasoned credit union leader with over 15 years of experience in financial services, specializing in credit union management, marketing, digital transformation, and advocacy. A second-generation credit union professional, Armand has a passion for helping credit unions thrive and better serve their communities. Prior to CUCollaborate, Armand served as the Chief Administrative & Development Officer of a credit union where he led initiatives that achieved exceptional asset growth, secured millions in grants, and pioneered innovative programs. His contributions have earned him recognition, including being named NAFCU’s 2021 Professional of the Year and the CU Times Luminaries 2024 Rising Star. An accomplished advocate and speaker, he holds multiple industry certifications and believes in the power of collaboration and data-driven strategies to drive success. Outside of work, Armand enjoys teaching martial arts, traveling, and exploring new cuisines. Armand holds a BS in Psychology, an MBA with a concentration in Finance, and is a Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE).
Jason has over 15 years of experience in consulting, with a focus on financial and performance management, data analytics, business process improvement, and organizational change management. Before joining CUCollaborate, Jason helped clients develop analytical tools and strengthen program management practices to improve operations and better manage resources at Booz Allen Hamilton and Grant Thornton. He is excited to bring his varied consulting experience to CUCollaborate to help credit unions grow and better serve their communities.
Jeff Bailey has worked in the CDFI industry since 2012, holding roles from loan officer at small business and affordable housing lenders to consultant and team leader. He currently manages CDFI Advisory Services at CUCollaborate, where he leads a team of consultants helping credit unions nationwide navigate certification, compliance, strategic planning, and grant writing. Over the course of his career, Jeff has helped clients secure more than $22 million in CDFI Fund awards. Prior to working with CDFIs, he served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Azerbaijan and obtained a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management. He lives with his family in Vancouver, Washington.
Our CDFI advisory team paired with our suite of technology solutions ensure the best possible outcome for your Credit Union.