Community Finance Summit

Community Finance Summit 2026

This year's theme, “Uplifting Communities in Lean Times: Mission-driven Finance Beyond Public Funding,” is an exploration of tools and strategies for deepening impact in the current financial, socio-political, and regulatory landscape. Against the backdrop of this and other trends, the 2026 Community Finance Summit provided space for practitioners, funders, and other allies to explore how existing models of community development finance can best be adapted to address a widening range of issues facing the communities we serve.

Highlight Presentation

The Carolina Credit Union Initiative

The Carolina Credit Union Initiative (CCUI) is a student-led effort to establish a not-for-profit, student-run credit union at UNC–Chapel Hill. Built by students, for students, CCUI aims to expand access to fair, affordable financial services while promoting financial literacy and long-term financial well-being. By reinvesting all proceeds back into the Carolina community, the initiative creates a more equitable campus financial ecosystem, offering lower-cost products, credit-building opportunities, and personalized support tailored to student needs. At the same time, CCUI serves as a hands-on learning lab, equipping students with real-world experience in finance, leadership, and community impact.

The Carolina Credit Union Initiative →