A Charitable Donation Account Opportunity

In March 2024, the African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) announced the Future Fund, a long-term investment program to fund and sustain critical initiatives of the AACUC in serving the credit union industry (Read full press release here). As part of the Future Fund effort, ALM First has launched a charitable donation account (CDA) private investment fund to benefit the AACUC. The fund adheres to NCUA regulations governing CDA investments, and for credit unions investing in the fund, a share of the portfolio proceeds will be automatically distributed to the AACUC on a quarterly basis.

  
Strategy

Why Invest

By channeling investments into the AACUC Future Fund, credit unions contribute to the realization of the organization’s current mission while laying the groundwork for future initiatives. The fund’s proceeds will be strategically allocated to:



Internships and Leadership Development

  • Establishing a succession pipeline for the credit union system
  • Securing the legacy of mentorship and professional development

Small Credit Union Sustainability

  • Ensuring the viability and vibrancy of credit unions at risk of mergers, acquisitions, and member attrition

Wealth Building and Community Impact Programs

  • Amplifying initiatives to close the racial wealth gap
  • Improving financial access, inclusion, and well-being for communities of color

Operating Reserve for Future Sustainability

  • Funding to ensure the continued reach of AACUC across the credit union movement



Structure

How It Works

Managed by ALM First, the AACUC Future Fund operates as a charitable donation account (CDA) investment fund. Credit unions can invest up to 5% of net worth in CDA investments, with 75% of the portfolio’s income after expenses distributed quarterly to the AACUC. The remaining 25% is available to investors.



1.

Structured as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) private investment fund.

2.

Investors receive a Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) and execute an LLC agreement for a pro-rata share of fund assets.







Strength

Shaping The Future

Join us in shaping the future of credit unions through the AACUC Future Fund. Your investment empowers lasting change and strengthens the foundation of the credit union movement. Together, we build a legacy of financial inclusivity and empowerment for all.

For more information, contact aacuc@almfirst.com.



Future Fund FAQs



1. What is the Future Fund?

The Future Fund will ensure the long-term strength and sustainability of AACUC regardless of industry trends, economic downturns and socio-political headwinds. It also provides longer-term financing to amplify and expand AACUC programming related to the Commitment to Change initiative.

2. Why has it been established?

The AACUC Board of Directors established the Future Fund to provide sustainability for AACUC for years to come. Leagues are merging, associations are disappearing, and the number of credit unions is falling. DEI programs are being defunded, the racial wealth gap is widening, but the country is becoming more multicultural. In order to further the AACUC mission well into the future, AACUC needs to build longer-term financial sustainability.

3. How is the Future Fund different from AACUC’s traditional fundraising, sponsorship, Corporate Partnership and/or membership dues?

There are two main differences:

  • Future Fund participation is through an investment, not a direct donation. AACUC knows capital is tight and approving charitable donations can be difficult. That’s why the Future Fund is designed to benefit from interest returns; so credit unions can support the long-term future of AACUC through simple treasury management.
  • The Future Fund is about long-term sustainability and community impact. Traditional fundraising, sponsorships, Corporate Partnerships and membership dues keep the lights on. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, AACUC relies exclusively on the support of others to operate—but it’s not enough to grow and scale long-term. The Future Fund provides guaranteed, mid- to long-term funding to sustain and enhance critical work.

4. What will my investment support?

The Future Fund will support, amplify and increase the long-term scale and impact of AACUC’s Commitment to Change strategy, prioritizing programs that are focused on:

  • Internships and leadership development — Building a succession pipeline for the credit union system and securing the legacy of mentorship and professional development we have created.
  • Small credit union sustainability — Ensuring the viability and vibrancy of the credit unions that are at greatest risk of mergers, acquisition and member attrition.
  • Wealth building and community impact programs — Amplifying key initiatives that close the racial wealth gap and improve financial access, inclusion and well-being for communities of color.
  • Operating reserve for future sustainability — Funding to ensure the continued reach of AACUC across the credit union movement.

5. If I invest in the Future Fund, do I still have to pay membership fees or provide corporate support?

Our traditional fundraising, sponsorships, Corporate Partnerships and memberships keep the lights on. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, AACUC relies exclusively on the support of organizations like yours to operate — but it’s not enough to grow and scale long-term.

The Future Fund provides guaranteed, mid- to long-term funding to sustain and enhance critical work that will support you, your organization, and the members you serve.

6. If this is an investment, what’s in it for my organization?

Supporting the Future Fund isn’t just an investment in AACUC—it’s an investment in the credit union system. The nation is becoming more multicultural. To survive and thrive long-term, credit unions need a partner to inform, educate and innovate the strategic and operational changes necessary to engage with tomorrow’s membership.

7. I still have questions. Who should I talk to?

Reach out to our team at aacuc@almfirst.com with any additional questions.

Strategic Partners

Let's Work Together

We can help achieve your institutial financial goals.