What is the REAL Solutions project?

One of the fundamental philosophical values of credit unions is to deliver financial services to the people of modest means.

In 2004, Filene Research Institute agreed to fund a national initiative to take this concept to the marketplace with real and actionable models to help credit unions reach these households. Under the direction of Lois Kitsch, we restructured "Check-Cashing Business Opportunities" into a broader project entitled REAL Solutions (Relevant, Effective, Asset-building, Loyalty-producing services Solutions). REAL Solutions was made possible in part by a grant from the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF).

Today, the NCUF has made REAL Solutions its signature project. Over the next three years, the foundation will provide resources to expand the project work to 33 leagues and 2,000 credit unions with the hope of attracting over 250,000 low-wealth members. Additionally, a NCUF/Filene database is being developed that will outline the many ways credit unions can serve their communities. Credit unions and credit union organizations will use the database to explain better how credit unions can reach out to serve people of low income. Please visit http://www.ncuf.coop/render_site.asp?sectionpath=3/215 for additional information.