Two Michigan Credit Unions Start Small, Make Big Impact

Two Michigan credit unions, Community First Federal Credit Union and Michigan Coastal Credit Union, are making a difference in their community through financial education efforts through the assistance of the Michigan Credit Union Foundation and its Community Enrichment Grants.

Start Small and Build
Community First Federal Credit Union, in Lakeview, started their emergency savings pilot program small and close to home, with CFFCU employees. They found that building just $400 in emergency savings has made staff members feel more emotionally and financially secure.

With the help of an MCUF grant, the program is now available to members and includes a financial coaching and education program.

View a video preview of the program here.

Community Influencers People Can Trust
Michigan Coastal Credit Union CEO Rob Viland knew that the key to connecting with and helping more people in Muskegon County towards better financial health is to partner with a trusted community influencer.

Monthly financial education workshops in partnership with Pastor Jerry Riley and the Upper Room Church are providing hope to participants, and Michigan Coastal’ s accounts and loans are helping many participants significantly improve their budgets.

View a video preview of the program here.

“Community First Federal and Michigan Coastal Credit Unions are great examples of the ways the Michigan credit union industry is working to impact people well outside the bounds of daily banking transactions,” said MCUL CEO Patty Corkery. “These credit unions’ grant initiatives, as highlighted in the videos above, illustrate how some of our smaller asset credit unions can make a big impact in their community.”

MCUF’s 2023 Community Enrichment Grants are available to help credit unions and are easy to access. This year’s grant target areas include financial inclusion, education and counseling initiatives, small business support, assisting underserved and minority communities and community crisis support.

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