WOCCU and WFCU to continue supporting for Ukraine’s credit unions despite USAID cuts
WFCU will distribute a US$ 210,000 grant to the Ukrainian United Credit Union [UUCU], a central credit union, that will be used as reserve capital to expand lending to its network of member credit unions
MADISON, Wis., May 12, 2025 —World Council of Credit Unions [ WOCCU ] and its strategic partner, Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions [WFCU] say that vital support for Ukraine’s credit union sector will continue due to funds raised during the Rally the Movement campaign—a global effort launched in response to the termination of USAID awards that funded WOCCU projects in Ukraine and six other countries.
WFCU will distribute a US$ 210,000 grant to the Ukrainian United Credit Union [UUCU], a central credit union, that will be used as reserve capital to expand lending to its network of member credit unions. These credit unions play a crucial role in supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises [MSMEs] across the country—particularly in rural areas and agricultural communities hard hit since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The support will: Increase available liquidity for UUCU to lend to its members; strengthen UUCU’s capital base to attract additional investment and ensure sustainability; and help meet urgent seasonal demand for agricultural loans during planting season.
Beginning in 2016, WOCCU implemented USAID-funded projects in Ukraine that promoted financial inclusion and helped credit unions issue more than 20,000 agricultural and SME loans worth US$ 26 million through April 2025.
WOCCU and WFCU will also use Rally the Movement funds to retain two senior Ukrainian specialists on the ground to coordinate local activities, monitor the use of funds disbursed since 2016 [and especially post-invasion] and ensure sustainability and impact-tracking of ongoing initiatives.
“Thanks to the unity and generosity of our global credit union family, we are ensuring that vital development work continues in Ukraine, even in the face of war,” said Mike Reuter, WFCU President. “We’re proud to work hand in hand with WOCCU to sustain this mission. This programme is not just about access to finance—it’s about resilience, hope and the power of cooperation when it matters most.”
Ukrainian credit unions have continued to serve their communities during wartime by issuing more than 4,000 agricultural loans. WFCU, which launched its Ukrainian Credit Union Displacement Fund on the heels of Russia’s full-scale invasion, has since deployed over US$ 1.7 million in grants, reaching more than 10,000 people through emergency relief funds, economic recovery initiatives and an ongoing veterans’ reintegration programme.
Launched in March 2025, WFCU’s Rally the Movement campaign raised a total of US$ 1.17 million—driven by the extraordinary generosity of credit unions, credit union associations and industry partners across the world.
Funds from the campaign will also soon be deployed to ensure essential international development work continues in Guatemala and Kenya, as well.
SOURCE — WOCCU
https://thecooperator.news/77th-anniversary-woccu-eager-to-make-most-of-international-co-op-year/
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