Filene Research Institute

Through independent research and innovation, the Filene Research Institute explores issues vital to the future of credit unions and consumer finance.


Getting Things Done

We're much more than a think-tank.  We're a think and do tank. And part of the doing comes in our innovation programs.

Throughout this section, you'll find programs that bring products to market, reach out to the underserved, and impact the lives of future generations of financial services consumers.

The Filene i3 innovation group unveiled five new ideas in October 2009:
  • cube (drive savings in health care benefits costs through joint purchasing arrangements)
  • Giving CD (using the financial power of credit union members to support other cooperatives by making available development funds)
  • Responsible Rent Loan (supporting investment property ownership and providing links to low-risk tenants)
  • Share the Wealth (grow loan portfolios and boost fee income through high-quality home equity loan referrals)
  • The Leap (making it easy for members to “go green”)

Click on the idea name to check out a brief summary and download a full concept document. Filene members should log in to gain access to this exclusive content. Not a member? Contact us for more information. If something sparks your interest, feel free to contact any of the i3 team members listed or email us and we’ll direct you to the right place. You can also check out our full idea library for futher inspiration.