Impact Cash is CNote’s award-winning cash management solution that empowers institutions to earn competitive returns while helping communities thrive. Your idle cash is allocated across a network of FDIC and NCUA insured mission-driven banks and credit unions, supporting: small businesses, climate resilience, disaster recovery and affordable housing.
What is Impact Cash?
Impact Cash is a cash management solution that deposits institutional cash into federally insured community financial institutions. Unlike traditional cash options, your funds fuel local economic growth while maintaining safety, liquidity, and yield.
How Does It Differ From Traditional Money Market Funds or CDs?
| Feature | Impact Cash | MMFs/CDs |
| FDIC/NCUA Insurance | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not always |
| Liquidity | ✅ Next-business-day access | ⚠️ Often limited |
| Community Impact | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Strategic Flexibility | ✅ Mission-aligned allocation | ❌ Standardized terms |
Impact Cash offers similar financial benefits, with the added value of measurable impact.
Is My Money Safe?
Yes. CNote distributes all funds across a network of FDIC- or NCUA-insured institutions, ensuring 100% coverage. Funds up to $100 million can be insured through CNote.
Can I Earn Competitive Returns?
Yes. CNote structures allocations to meet your institution’s return goals within the safety of insured deposit products, offering both return on capital and return on mission.
How Liquid Is Impact Cash?
Impact Cash provides next-business-day access in most cases. Early withdrawal options and laddering strategies offer additional flexibility.
How Are Deposits and Withdrawals Handled?
- Deposits: Add funds through your existing setup. CNote automates distribution across its partner banks.
- Withdrawals: Submit a request, and CNote handles coordination with custodial and partner institutions.
What’s the Operational Lift?
Minimal. CNote manages:
- Onboarding
- Compliance
- Allocation and diversification
- Documentation and reporting
You work with a single point of contact and platform, providing a streamlined and secure experience.
What’s the Cash Flow Process?
CNote uses Northern Trust as the custodial bank; your funds never touch CNote’s hands .
Here’s how the cash moves:
In Short:
- Client wires funds to Northern Trust
- Northern Trust, as transfer agent, allocates funds across CNote’s partner network
- Partner banks and credit unions deploy capital into the community
- Interest is accrued; fees are billed quarterly
Can I Exceed $250K Without Managing Multiple Banks?
Yes. CNote provides a single interface, managing allocations across institutions behind the scenes.
Choose your approach:
- Defined Strategy: Select banks based on geography, yield, or mission.
- Distributed Strategy: Let CNote diversify automatically.
How Does Impact Cash Compare to Intrafi?
While both extend FDIC coverage, Impact Cash provides:
| Feature | Impact Cash | Intrafi |
| Insurance Beyond $250K | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Mission-Driven Network | ✅ Yes | ❌ Primarily rate-driven |
| Custom Allocation | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Limited |
| Community Impact | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Impact Cash is ideal for institutions seeking both financial prudence and to support their local community.
Who Uses Impact Cash?
Trusted by:
- Corporations like Nike, Patagonia, and Mastercard
- Foundations such as Sierra Club and Women’s Foundation of California
- Government agencies and institutional investors looking to align their treasury strategy with their values
Final Thoughts
Impact Cash is built for mission-aligned institutions seeking security, liquidity, yield, and impact.
With one account, you can activate your cash reserves to drive economic inclusion while maintaining full control and transparency. Ready to make your idle cash do more? Explore Impact Cash here.
