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Creating an Impact Framework for Impact-Driven Depository Institutions
Impact-driven banks and credit unions provide vital services to under-resourced communities. However, in CNote’s extensive work with these institutions and community finance overall, we recognized the pressing need for a consistent impact framework for the industry. Existing impact measurement efforts have typically centered around either banks or credit unions or have been limited to CDFI-certified…
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Sustainable Investment Strategies Treasurers Can Use
While corporate treasurers are currently charged with the leading financial strategy within organizations, managing financial risks and investments, sustainability goals have emerged as a new directive for many corporations. Treasurers, with their expertise in cash management, financing and risk, are uniquely positioned to contribute to positive social and environmental impacts that yield return. Read about…
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CNote’s Q3 2023 Impact Report
CNote is excited to share our Q3 2023 Impact Report! Check it out here. You’ll find updates on the impact created by the institutional and individual investors that have deployed funds in CNote’s fixed income and cash products. You’ll also learn more about how our community partners respond in a changing economy and tackle growing…
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Expanding Access to Capital | UniBank and CNote’s Partnership for Inclusive Growth
CNote is proud to share a new case study with UniBank: Expanding Access to Capital | UniBank and CNote’s Partnership for Inclusive Growth Before partnering with CNote, UniBank was striving to meet the growing demand for banking services and access to capital among Asian American business owners, many of whom are immigrants. The management team…
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How Karla Villanueva Grew Her Gymnastics Studio with Her Credit Union’s Support
Karla Villanueva-Bernal has been passionate about gymnastics and practiced the discipline throughout her life. Her dream of opening her own gymnastics studio was finally realized in 2012 when she and her husband started what was then called Karla’s Gymnastics. Karla started teaching one class every Saturday in the All Saints Red Barn, a multi-use space…
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How Kaua’i Federal Credit Union’s Rent Relief Program Has Stabilized Local Small Businesses—And Local Culture
The COVID-19 pandemic turned Chef John Paul Gordon’s life upside down. One day, John Paul was an executive chef catering to Kaua’i’s tourists, the next day, he was unemployed. After more than 20 years of being a chef, John Paul felt like COVID-19 stole his identity away from him overnight. Despite wanting to get back…
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How Indian Land Capital Company Is Strengthening Tribal Sovereignty, One Loan At A Time
Rjay Brunkow, an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, has dedicated his career to economic development within Indian Country. Rjay served as an investment banker for Wells Fargo, focusing on government infrastructure, before serving as Solicitor General for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and chief legal counsel for his own…
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Beyond Banking: The Crucial Role of Impact-Driven Banks and Credit Unions in Underserved Communities
Impact-driven banks and credit unions forge a dynamic partnership with under-resourced communities, blending immediate solutions with lasting development. These institutions stand as pillars of community support. Anchored by tailored financial products and programs, spanning affordable housing loans to job creation initiatives, impact-drive banks and credit unions commit to both present concerns and the future prosperity…
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Unleashing Corporate Power: Credit Unions and Community Deposits
This article was originally posted on CUNA Strategic Services’ Website. Seventy percent of credit unions named growing deposits as a high priority in 2023 – almost four times the amount that articulated the same need in 2022. One nontraditional avenue that credit unions should consider is tapping into the strong movement of corporations channeling cash…
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How Freedom First Credit Union Is Leveraging Creative, Character-Based Lending To Approve Community Members For Auto Loans
When Norma Fralin needed a car in 2016, she didn’t know where to go. She’d never felt comfortable navigating dealerships and interacting with used-car salesmen, and because there were uncertainties surrounding her credit, Norma didn’t know what kind of auto loan she’d be able to get. That’s when Norma’s daughter, Catina, told her about Freedom…
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Where finance meets impact.