activities · 40
what they do
direct service · 35
- Award scholarships College Scholarships for Youth MembersProvides college scholarships to support community members and has awarded scholarships to recipients in 2025.
- Award scholarshipsOffers college scholarships to support community members and has awarded scholarships to recipients in 2025.
- Branch Operations and Expansion Financial Branch Expansion and OperationsOperates and opens new branch locations, including recent grand openings in Lake Pleasant (Peoria) and Buckeye, to expand access to financial services.
- Branch Operations and Expansion Financial Branch Expansion and OperationsOperates and expands its branch network, including opening new locations such as the Lake Pleasant and Buckeye branches.
- Business Banking Services Business Banking & Lending ServicesProvides banking services tailored to small businesses to support their growth and financial operations.
- Business Banking Services Business Banking & Lending ServicesProvides business banking services to support small business growth.
- Community Donations and Sponsorships Local Community GrantmakingEngages in direct community support through donations (e.g., bicycles for children, funding for pet retention services) and sponsorships of local events such as the GCCAZ alumni event.
- Community Financial Incentives Low-Cost Checking & Savings AccountsProvides members with higher interest yields on savings accounts and lower interest rates on loans as part of its credit union member benefits.
- Community Support and Philanthropy Local Community GrantmakingSupports community well-being in Arizona through the CU West CARES Charitable Foundation, provides educational programs, scholarships, and contributions to local organizations, and offers support programs focused on military and veteran financial success. This includes donating bicycles to children and supporting pet welfare organizations.
- Deliver financial education programs Financial Literacy Education & CoachingProvides financial education to community members, including 8th-grade students, and offers guidance on budgeting and saving, particularly for military and veteran financial success.
- Digital Financial Services Credit Monitoring & Reporting ServicesOffers credit reporting services through mobile and online banking platforms to enhance member financial literacy and access.
- Environmental Sustainability Initiatives Internal Operations Waste ReductionImplements environmental sustainability practices including paper, plastic, and metal recycling, reduced-wattage lighting, and solar energy use, and operates a corporate campus designed with energy-efficient initiatives.
- Environmental Sustainability Initiatives Internal Operations Waste ReductionImplements energy-efficient practices across operations, including recycling programs, reduced-wattage lighting, solar energy use, and sustainable design in its corporate campus.
- Expand branch network Financial Branch Expansion and OperationsOpened new branch locations in Lake Pleasant (Peoria) and Buckeye, hosting grand opening celebrations for these new branches.
- Financial Education Programs Financial Literacy Education & CoachingDelivers financial education programs to the community, including classes for 8th grade students in Glendale, budgeting and saving workshops at alumni events, and ongoing offerings through the Community Impact Team.
- Financial Education and Credit Management Credit Monitoring & Reporting ServicesProvides financial education programs to the community, including for 8th-grade students and alumni events, offers credit reporting services through mobile and online banking, and provides Credit Guide appointments to help members manage their credit.
- Financial Services for Members Low-Cost Checking & Savings AccountsProvides a range of financial services to members, including higher interest yields on savings accounts, lower interest rates on loans and credit cards, free checking accounts, car loans, and mortgage services. This includes offering IRA savings certificates and proactively providing better rates and reward programs.
- First-Time Homebuyer Support Homebuyer Education and CounselingOffers guidance and financial preparation resources to help first-time homebuyers navigate the mortgage process.
- Homeownership Programs Homebuyer Education and CounselingOffers guidance and financial preparation resources for first-time homebuyers, operates a Down Payment Assistance Program for low- to moderate-income families, and provides the Hometown Heroes Mortgage Program to support community members in key service professions with achieving homeownership.
- IRA Savings Certificates Term Certificate ProgramsOffers IRA savings certificates as an alternative financial product for individuals impacted by banks discontinuing retirement savings certificates.
- Implement environmental sustainability practices Internal Operations Waste ReductionEngages in environmental sustainability practices such as recycling paper, plastic, and metal, using reduced-wattage lighting, and incorporating solar energy.
- Implement environmental sustainability practices Internal Operations Waste ReductionEngages in environmental sustainability practices including recycling, reduced-wattage lighting, and solar energy use, and operates a corporate campus designed with energy-efficient initiatives.
- Manage lending operations Credit Union Merger IntegrationOversees mortgage and consumer lending operations to ensure organizational and member success, with a Chief Lending Officer appointed to enhance delivery of financial solutions.
- Military and Veteran Financial SupportOffers targeted programs and resources to support financial success for military members, veterans, and their families.
- Mortgage and Consumer Lending OperationsOversees mortgage and consumer lending services to support member financial goals and organizational success, including specialized programs like the Hometown Heroes Mortgage Program and a Down Payment Assistance Program for low- to moderate-income families.
- Offer mortgage and homeownership assistance programs Homebuyer Education and CounselingProvides guidance and financial preparation resources for first-time homebuyers, offers the Hometown Heroes Mortgage Program for service professionals, and operates a Down Payment Assistance Program for low- to moderate-income families.
- Operate and expand branch locations Financial Branch Expansion and OperationsOperates a new corporate campus and has opened new branch locations, including grand opening celebrations for its Lake Pleasant branch in Peoria and a new Buckeye branch.
- Provide banking services Low-Cost Checking & Savings AccountsOffers a range of financial products and services including IRA savings certificates, business banking services, higher interest yields on savings accounts, and lower interest rates on loans for members.
- Provide credit reporting services Credit Monitoring & Reporting ServicesOffers a credit reporting service accessible through mobile and online banking platforms.
- Provide financial educationOffers financial education programs to the community, including budgeting and saving education for students, and provides financial education classes through its Community Impact Team.
- Provide financial products and services Low-Cost Checking & Savings AccountsOffers a range of financial products and services to members, including IRA savings certificates, business banking services, mortgages (including for first-time homebuyers and specific programs like Hometown Heroes and Down Payment Assistance), consumer lending, and savings accounts with higher interest yields and lower loan interest rates. Also provides credit reporting services through mobile and online banking.
- Scholarships and Educational Support College Scholarships for Youth MembersProvides college scholarships and educational resources to community members, with recipients recognized in 2025.
- Support community organizations and initiatives Local Community GrantmakingMakes contributions and donations to local organizations, including providing bicycles to children through Honor Health Desert Mission and supporting Arizona Pet Project to prevent pet surrenders. The CU West CARES Charitable Foundation also supports community well-being in Arizona.
- Support community organizations and initiatives Local Community GrantmakingMakes contributions to local organizations, donates bicycles to children, and supports local nonprofit organizations in the community, including Arizona Pet Project.
- Support military and veteran financial successProvides support programs specifically focused on military and veteran financial success.
capacity building · 5
- CU West CARES Charitable Foundation Community Foundation Grantmaking & Campaign ManagementOperates the CU West CARES Charitable Foundation to support community well-being in Arizona through grants and contributions.
- Community Nonprofit Support Local Community GrantmakingSupports local nonprofit organizations through contributions, partnerships, and community engagement initiatives.
- Enhance organizational capacity and innovation Credit Union Merger IntegrationAppoints key personnel like a Chief Lending Officer to improve financial solutions and supports responsible growth. Collaborates with executive leadership to advance innovation and streamline processes for member benefit. Supports local nonprofit organizations in the community.
- Leadership and Organizational Development Credit Union Merger IntegrationStrengthens organizational capacity through executive appointments, such as the Chief Lending Officer, and collaboration among leadership to innovate and streamline member services.
- Operate the CU West CARES Charitable Foundation Community Foundation Grantmaking & Campaign ManagementManages the CU West CARES Charitable Foundation to support community well-being in Arizona.
strategies · 24
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Business banking for community development business_banking_supportSupports local economic growth by offering dedicated business banking services that foster small business development and financial access.
- Business banking to support local economic development business_banking_supportSupports small business growth and local economic development through dedicated business banking services that provide tailored financial solutions.
- Community and employee-engaged impact employee-driven_giving_with_matching_fundsDrives community impact through employee-driven charitable giving with matching funds, active community involvement, and targeted programs that support local needs and service professionals.
- Employee-driven community giving with matched contributions employee-driven giving with matching fundsEmpowers employees to direct charitable impact by selecting recipients for donations, which the credit union matches, reinforcing community engagement through staff involvement.
- Employee-driven community giving with matching employee-driven_giving_with_matching_fundsEmpowers employees to lead charitable impact by selecting community recipients for giving, with the credit union matching donations to amplify community support.
- Employee-driven community investment employee-driven_giving_with_matching_fundsEmpowers employees to lead charitable giving decisions and matches their donations, strengthening community ties through participatory, values-aligned philanthropy.
- Financial empowerment through education and preparedness financial_preparedness_educationEquips members with financial knowledge and tools—such as credit readiness education, free financial education, and proactive savings programs—to build stability, avoid debt, and achieve major financial goals like homeownership.
- Financial empowerment through education and preparedness financial_preparedness_educationEquips members with financial knowledge and tools—such as credit readiness, homebuying education, and proactive savings programs—to build stability and avoid debt.
- Inclusive financial empowerment through education and access financial_empowerment_through_inclusive_servicesCombines financial education, credit readiness support, and inclusive product design to increase financial stability, particularly for underserved groups, by lowering barriers to homeownership and promoting proactive financial behaviors.
- Inclusive financial empowerment through education and accessible products financial empowerment through inclusive servicesCombines financial education, credit readiness support, and tailored financial products to increase individual stability, with a focus on removing barriers to homeownership and preventing debt.
- Integrated community and environmental sustainability integrated_sustainability_modelAdvances social and environmental sustainability as interconnected priorities, creating long-term positive impact across members, employees, the local community, and the planet.
- Integrated environmental and social sustainability integrated_sustainability_modelAdvances long-term community well-being by integrating social and environmental sustainability into operations, aiming to protect natural resources and promote healthy lives for members, employees, and future generations.
- Integrated environmental and social sustainability integrated_sustainability_modelAdvances long-term community well-being by integrating social and environmental sustainability into operations, with a commitment to protecting resources for future generations.
- Integrated environmental and social sustainability commitment integrated sustainability modelAdvances long-term community well-being by integrating social and environmental sustainability efforts across operations, aiming to protect natural resources and support healthy lives for members and employees across generations.
- Member-focused cooperative banking model member-owned_cooperative_modelOperates as a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative that prioritizes personalized service, returns surplus earnings to members, and reinvests in community financial success, distinguishing itself from for-profit financial institutions.
- Member-focused cooperative model member-owned_cooperative_modelOperates as a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative that prioritizes personalized service, returns surplus earnings to members, and reinvests in community financial success.
- Member-focused cooperative model with community reinvestment cooperative financial modelOperates as a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative that prioritizes personalized service, returns surplus earnings to members, and reinvests in community financial success, distinguishing itself from for-profit banks.
- Member-owned cooperative model with community reinvestment member-owned_cooperative_modelOperates as a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative that prioritizes returning surplus earnings to members through competitive rates and reduced fees, while reinvesting in community financial success and long-term sustainability.
- Relationship-driven and sustainable lending relationship-driven_lendingApproaches lending as a tool to create long-term opportunity and access, emphasizing sustainable financial impact, trust-based relationships, and inclusive access for diverse borrower groups.
- Relationship-driven and sustainable lending relationship-driven_lendingApproaches lending as a tool to create long-term opportunity and access, emphasizing sustainable financial impact and ongoing relationships rather than transactional exchanges.
- Relationship-driven and sustainable lending practices relationship-driven_lendingViews lending as a tool to create long-term opportunity and access, emphasizing sustainable financial impact, strong borrower relationships, and inclusive mortgage options for underserved groups including first-time homebuyers, veterans, and low-to-moderate-income families.
- Relationship-driven and sustainable lending practices relationship-driven_lendingApproaches lending as a tool to create long-term financial opportunity and access, emphasizing sustainable impact, ongoing relationships, and inclusive financing rather than transactional interactions.
- Targeted support for small businesses and key community professions business_banking_supportProvides specialized financial services and loan programs for small businesses and service professionals (e.g., veterans, first responders) to promote economic opportunity and community stability.
- Targeted support for small businesses and service professionals business_banking_supportOffers specialized financial programs such as business banking services and the Hometown Heroes mortgage to support economic development and homeownership among key community contributors like small business owners and service professionals.
named programs · 10
what they call their work
Business Banking Services
Services designed to help small businesses grow.
Conventional Home Loan
Traditional mortgage option with down payments as low as 3%.
Down Payment Assistance Program
Program to help low to moderate income earning families with down payment assistance for homeownership.
EmployeesCARE Program
A program funded by employee donations and matched by the CU West CARES Charitable Foundation to support local nonprofits.
FHA Home Loan
Mortgage option for first-time homebuyers with low down payment options and assistance.
Financial Education Classes
Provided by the Community Impact Team to help members reach their credit goals and achieve financial independence.
Heritage High-Yield Checking
A checking account designed to offer competitive interest rates on balances up to $20,000.
Holiday Club Savings Account
A savings account designed to help members save for holiday expenses.
Hometown Heroes Mortgage Program
Mortgage program supporting community members in key service professions to achieve homeownership.
VA Loans
Mortgage option for military service members and veterans, offering lower interest rates and no minimum down payment.
relationships · 12
who they work with
- AZ Central Partner — Recognized with multiple Top Workplaces awards by AZ Central in 2025.
- Arizona Pet Project Partner — Recipient of a $8,658.30 donation through the EmployeesCARE Program to support pet retention services for families in crisis.
- CU West CARES Charitable Foundation Partner — Charitable foundation operated by Credit Union West to empower Arizonans to thrive.
- Camelback Ranch Partner — Presents the West Valley Resident Pass for spring training events at Camelback Ranch.
- Camelback Ranch Partner — Teamed up with Camelback Ranch for Spring Training.
- GCCAZ Partner — Sponsored the organization's first alumni event and provided financial education.
- GoWest Partner — Named a finalist for Employee Experience by GoWest in 2025.
- Honor Health Desert Mission Partner — Recipient of a community donation of bicycles for children.
- National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) Government — Federally insures member savings up to $250,000 through the NCUSIF.
- TruWest Credit Union Partner — Former employer of newly appointed Chief Lending Officer Jeff Lee, where he held senior leadership roles.
- USA Today Partner — Recognized as a Top Workplace by USA Today in 2025.
- local organizations Partner — Receives financial support and volunteer services from CREDIT UNION WEST to serve the military and enhance the community.