Credit unions across California, Nevada, and Utah are leading the charge in driving thriving communities through deep commitments to social impact, according to the results of the second annual Social Impact Survey. The findings were unveiled Tuesday during an onstage presentation at REACH 2025.

(View and download event photos from the REACH 2025 Photo Galleries)

Survey Highlights Role as Community Champions

Amanda Merz, vice president of education and community impact for California’s Credit Unions and Nevada’s Credit Unions, presented the survey data, emphasizing that credit unions are doing “amazing” work as an industry.

“Our purpose is to showcase how credit unions are driving thriving communities,” Merz said. “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 survey, produced by the leagues, gathered responses from over 75 credit unions across the three states, reflecting the voices of institutions serving more than 8.6 million members across urban, suburban, and rural areas.

Key Findings Across Inclusion, Education, and Community

The presentation highlighted credit unions’ success in three core areas: Inclusion (removing barriers to access), Education (empowering financial well-being), and Community (giving that creates lasting impact).

Credit unions are leading in removing financial barriers and supporting underserved members:

• California: 65 percent of participating credit unions serve non-SSN individuals, and 63 percent offer payday alternatives.
• Nevada: 80 percent offer fee refunds, and 60 percent provide free credit scores.
• Utah: 75 percent serve non-SSN individuals, and 67 percent offer free credit scores.

Credit unions invest in employees as community champions:

• California: 95 percent offer a 401(k) match, and 78 percent offer paid volunteer hours.
• Nevada: 80 percent offer both tuition reimbursement and donation matching.
• Utah: 100 percent offer a 401(k) match, and 64 percent offer volunteer support.

Giving back is not optional — it’s who credit unions are:

• California: 93 percent participate in charitable giving, and 74 percent offer scholarships.
• Nevada: 100 percent participate in charitable giving, and 80 percent offer scholarships.
• Utah: 83 percent participate in giving, and 67 percent offer scholarships.

‘Lives Changed’ Through Leadership

Merz concluded the presentation with a powerful message: “These numbers represent lives changed.” She championed the industry’s continued dedication to its mission, stating the core finding: “When credit unions thrive, communities rise.”

The presentation ended with a call to action for the attendees to continue their leadership and commitment, ensuring that, together, they are strengthening our communities.

Stay Engaged During REACH

Attendees and League staff will be sharing photos, comments, and memories through LinkedIn at #CUatREACH.

REACH is one of the credit union industry’s premier annual events, attracting leaders and system partners from across California, Nevada, and the United States. It is held from October 27-30 at JW Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, CA this year.