PALM DESERT, Calif.–The results of an annual Social Impact Survey conducted among credit unions across California, Nevada, and Utah were released during the REACH 2025 event here, with the survey’s goal to highlight the work done by CUs in their communities.
“Our purpose is to showcase how credit unions are driving thriving communities,” Amanda Merz, vice president of education and community impact for California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions, told the meeting. “You are doing the work every day through your loans to low-income communities, to how you give to different nonprofits, to what you provide to your employees for opportunities to help them be a part of the mission of your credit union.”
The Findings
According to the leagues, the survey gathered responses from over 75 credit unions across the three states and featured credit unions’ success in three core areas: Inclusion (removing barriers to access), Education (empowering financial well-being), and Community (giving that creates lasting impact).
Among the findings:
Service to Underserved
- California: 65% of participating credit unions serve non-SSN individuals, and 63% offer payday alternatives.
- Nevada: 80% offer fee refunds, and 60% provide free credit scores.
- Utah: 75% serve non-SSN individuals, and 67% offer free credit scores.
Investments in Employees, Community
- California: 95% offer a 401(k) match, and 78% offer paid volunteer hours.
- Nevada: 80% offer both tuition reimbursement and donation matching.
- Utah: 100% offer a 401(k) match, and 64% offer volunteer support.
Giving Back
- California: 93% participate in charitable giving, and 74% offer scholarships
- Nevada: 100% participate in charitable giving, and 80% offer scholarships
- Utah: 83% participate in giving, and 67% offer scholarships.
