Community Resilience and Development
Credit unions strengthen the places they call home by investing in people, supporting local organizations, and responding to the needs of their communities.
By putting local needs at the center of their work, credit unions help build stronger, more connected communities prepared to grow and thrive.
STRONGER COMMUNITIES
Investing Where It Matters Most
Strong communities are built through access, connection, and investment. Across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia, credit unions strengthen the places they serve by directing resources toward local needs and helping individuals and families build greater stability.
From supporting community organizations and expanding financial education to returning value directly to members, credit unions reinvest in the people and places they call home. The result is impact that reaches beyond financial services and helps communities become stronger for the future.
State-By-State Data
Credit unions are deeply rooted in the communities they serve, giving them a unique understanding of local needs and the ability to respond in meaningful ways. Across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia, that commitment translates into greater access to financial services, education, and resources that help communities thrive.
Through service to low-income and underserved communities, financial education, and community-focused investment, credit unions help build stronger financial foundations for individuals and families while contributing to the long-term resilience of the places they call home.
Alabama
62 Low-Income Designated credit unions
9 CDFI-designated credit unions
90.9% of credit union members provided access to financial education
Florida
93 Low-Income Designated credit unions
24 CDFI-designated credit unions
89% of credit union members provided access to financial education
Georgia
44 Low-Income Designated credit unions
5 CDFI-designated credit unions
90.5% of credit union members provided access to financial education
Virginia
62 Low-Income Designated credit unions
7 CDFI-designated credit unions
99.5% of credit union members provided access to financial education
Helping Foster Youth Build Financial Independence
For young people transitioning out of foster care, financial independence can come with challenges many of their peers have never faced. VyStar Credit Union partnered with Family Support Services to help give foster youths the financial knowledge, tools, and access they need to prepare for adulthood.
Through the Fostering Financial Fitness program, 36 foster youths completed financial education and participated in a Financial Independence Signing Day, where they had the opportunity to open their first checking and savings accounts.
By combining financial education with direct access to financial services, the partnership is helping young people build a stronger foundation for independence and long-term financial stability.
Credit unions strengthen communities by expanding access, investing locally, and putting resources back into the hands of the people they serve.
261
Low-Income Designated credit unions serve communities across the four-state region, helping expand access to financial services in areas that have historically been underserved.
45
CDFI-designated credit unions across the four states help direct financial services and resources toward underserved communities.
Investing in the Organizations Communities Rely On
AmFirst awarded more than $60,000 in grants to 14 local organizations across Alabama, supporting nonprofits working to strengthen the communities they serve.
Through its Community First Initiative, the credit union awarded grants ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 to organizations addressing needs including education, workforce development, food assistance, and support for children, families, and veterans.
By investing in organizations already working on the ground, AmFirst is helping strengthen the network of resources Alabama communities rely on.
Breaking Down Barriers to Financial Opportunity
Freedom First Credit Union expanded financial education and access for Spanish-speaking and immigrant communities through culturally relevant, Spanish-language resources, workshops, and one-on-one financial coaching.
The initiative also integrated financial education into Freedom First Credit Union’s Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) lending program, helping members build skills in budgeting, credit management, and repayment while gaining access to responsible financial products. During the grant period, the project contributed to 901 new depository accounts and 13 new loan products for Spanish-speaking and immigrant households.
By combining language access, financial education, and trusted community partnerships, Freedom First Credit Union is helping more individuals build financial confidence and participate fully in their financial futures.
$20 Million Returned to Members
Robins Financial Credit Union returned $20 million to members through its 2025 Member Rebate, putting the benefits of the cooperative model directly back into the hands of the people it serves.
Since the program began in 2017, Robins Financial Credit Union has returned more than $151 million to members.
By returning earnings directly to members, Robins Financial Credit Union helps individuals and families keep more of their money, strengthening household financial security and extending the impact of the cooperative model throughout the communities it serves.
CREATING OPPORTUNITY
Strong Communities Create Pathways Forward
When communities have strong foundations, more people can pursue education, build careers, grow businesses, and plan for their future. Credit unions help turn that stability into greater economic opportunity.