Katie BaileyThe League of Credit Unions & Affiliates, alongside member credit union leaders, met with the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to advocate for the timely and predictable deployment of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund resources that support lending and investment in underserved communities.
During the meeting, The League urged OMB to complete its final review of fiscal year 2025 CDFI awards ahead of the September 30 deadline, apportion fiscal year 2026 funding without further delay, and establish consistent timelines for future CDFI Fund apportionments and Notice of Funds Availability approvals.
Following the meeting, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced fiscal year 2025 CDFI Program awards, which official award notifications expected to be issued by September 30. The announcement marked the second and final round of awards for the fiscal year 2025 CDFI Program.
Across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia, 46 CDFI-certified credit unions serve more than 4.4 million members and maintain $48 billion in active community loans. CDFI credit unions leverage federal resources to expand access to mortgages, small business loans, consumer financing, and affordable alternatives to predatory lending, particularly in rural and persistent-poverty communities.
“CDFI credit unions have demonstrated their ability to turn federal resources into meaningful economic activity in the communities they serve,” said John Bratsakis, CEO of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates. “Our message to OMB is straightforward: timely and predictable access to these funds matters. Completing the fiscal year 2025 review, apportioning fiscal year 2026 funds, and providing greater consistency going forward will allow credit unions to plan with confidence and continue putting these resources to work where they are needed most.”
Credit unions represent the largest depository institution segment of the CDFI sector, accounting for 446 of the nation’s 1,383 certified CDFIs. Every dollar granted to a credit union through the CDFI Fund generates $12 in private investment, helping extend the impact of federal resources throughout local communities.
“Behind these numbers are families working toward homeownership, small businesses looking for opportunities to grow, and communities that have historically had fewer financial options,” said Samantha A.M. Beeler, President of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates. “CDFI credit unions understand these communities because they are part of them. Ensuring these funds are deployed consistently and on time allows credit unions to continue turning public investment into meaningful, lasting economic opportunity.”
The meeting took place during The League’s 2026 Hike the Hill in Washington, D.C., where credit union leaders from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia gathered to engage directly with federal policymakers and advocate for priorities impacting credit unions and their members.
Attending the meeting were Rick Skaggs, Chair of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates Board and President and CEO of USF Credit Union; Bob Steensma, President and CEO of Five Star Credit Union; John Bratsakis, CEO of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates; Samantha A.M. Beeler, President of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates; and Ibby Dickson, Manager of Federal Advocacy at The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates.
