Bank & Credit Union Case Studies
In the past, the biggest barriers encountered by banks and credit unions looking to participate in financial literacy initiatives centered on the cost, time, and complexity involved to develop and deploy financial education programming. A properly-designed financial education campaign provides ways for banks and credit unions to make a long-term positive difference in their communities while receiving a measurable ROI for their efforts.
The NFEC designs programs that reflect positively on your brand and that align with the National Financial Capability Strategy, which underpins national standards for promoting financial literacy. Best practices demonstrate that programming should include education, awareness, and sustainability components.
Industry Overview

How the Banking Industry Participates in Financial Education
Today, financial institutions spend approximately $17 billion per year marketing consumer financial services. Less than 1% of those funds are invested in financial education: $31 million on direct provision (hosting events, developing materials, presenting, etc) and $129 million on sponsorship, donations and supporting services.
As a nation, we spend about $670 million per year on financial education to meet the growing demand being spurred by regulatory pressures, increased funding and social interest, and growing competition among various corporate and nonprofit stakeholders.
Banks and credit unions share common goals: client acquisition, meeting CRA requirements, lowering acquisition cost, brand enhancement, gaining media exposure, philanthropic goals, and public speaking opportunities are some of those shared goals. It is the NFEC’s objective to contribute to our clients’ bottom line as they contribute to the overall financial wellness of the communities they serve.
Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union
Jeanne D’Arc
Recently Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union called upon the NFEC to help them expand their financial education programming. Jeanne D’Arc wanted to ensure that their outreach team was trained, and also to host a high-profile event at one of the schools they served.
The NFEC sent an instructor to Lowell, MA to lead an in-person Certified Financial Education Instructor course for eight (8) employees. Online continued education was required, and all participants graduated with the necessary scores to earn the CFEI designation.
“We take financial education and our commitment to the community very seriously,” said Mark S. Cochran, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union. “I am proud of our employees for their dedication to our members. They realize that by enhancing their own financial education, they can improve their ability to help members of the community.”