NCUA Hands Out Loans for Low-Income Credit Unions
Published Date: 7/9/2026
Notice
Summary
The National Credit Union Administration is offering $13 million in loans to help low-income credit unions grow and better serve their communities. Loans range from $50,000 to $500,000, and applications are accepted anytime with decisions in about 6 months. This is a great chance for credit unions to boost their impact and support local members!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
$13M Revolving Loan Fund for Credit Unions
NCUA is making $13,000,000 in revolving loan funds available through the Community Development Revolving Loan Fund. Individual loans range from $50,000 to $500,000, NCUA expects 5–15 awards annually, accepts applications on a rolling basis, and will complete its review in about 180 calendar days.
Limited Eligibility to Low-Income Credit Unions
Only credit unions with a current low-income designation under 12 CFR 701.34 or 12 CFR 741.204 may apply. Non-federally insured credit unions must have a state low-income designation with NCUA concurrence and agree to be examined by NCUA.
Loans Can Fund Member Services and Branch Expansion
Approved loans may pay for capacity building such as new products or services (including share draft or credit card programs), partnerships, loan programs (microbusiness loans, payday alternatives, education loans, real estate loans), and acquisition or improvement of office space, branch facilities, ATMs, or electronic banking.
Emergency Loan Option for Disasters and Crises
NCUA also offers Emergency Loans (up to $500,000) to qualifying credit unions responding to unforeseen emergencies like natural disasters or declared state or national emergencies. Emergency Loan terms, interest rates, and allowable activities may differ and will be announced through NCUA Express messages and updates to the NCUA website.
Application and Award Conditions, Reporting, and Repayment Risks
Applicants must maintain an active SAM registration and include a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN), submit applications online through NCUA's award management system, and follow annual reporting requirements. The interest rate and repayment terms will be set by NCUA's CDRLF Loan Interest Rate Policy at the time of application, and awardees must maintain their low-income designation during the loan period or risk immediate repayment.
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