UMassFive College FCU Commits $100,000 to Local Agriculture

Hadley, MA – UMassFive College Federal Credit Union (UMassFive), is proud to announce a commitment of $100,000 to Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) over the next 10 years. UMassFive is a longtime supporter of CISA and the work that they do supporting local farms and engaging the community to build a local food community.

“Ten years ago, our federal regulators approved CISA as an official sponsor of UMassFive, earning CISA members eligibility to join the Credit Union,” explained UMassFive CEO, Rich Kump. “I can think of no better way to honor that 10 years of partnership than with a commitment to another decade, and $100,000 in support of CISA ideals.”

Since 2011, UMassFive has financially supported CISA as a sponsor and contributor to important fundraising efforts including the Emergency Farm Fund. This collaboration also inspired UMassFive to launch a 0.00% Farm Share Loan program that allows anyone to finance the cost of a CSA farm share up-front, and repay UMassFive interest-free over six months. This program was designed to help support the local food economy by expanding consumer access to fresh local produce, while also ensuring that farmers receive their funds as early as possible. UMassFive has since expanded its sustainability lending products to include green transportation, heating, and solar options, and recently won the title of 2020 Sustainable Business of the Year Award (Medium-Sized Business, Western Mass) from Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts.

“CISA is so grateful for our long-term relationship with UMassFive and for their commitment to local farms and food. Knowing their support is there for us over the next decade gives CISA the capacity to focus on our core work—supporting local farms, and growing our region’s thriving local food movement” said Philip Korman, CISA’s Executive Director.

To learn more about CISA visit them online at buylocalfood.org. For more information on UMassFive, and their sustainable lending options, visit umassfive.coop.

UMassFive College Federal Credit Union (UMassFive) was established in 1967 and serves the University of Massachusetts, as well as the Five College System and over 50 other local organizations that share their communitybased values and vision for a sustainable local economy. As a non-profit financial cooperative, UMassFive’s earnings are returned to their membership in the form of better rates, lower fees, and improved services and banking technology. The Credit Union offers a full range of financial products, including personal and business banking and lending, retirement planning and investments, and insurance. UMassFive has over 42,000 members, six branches, and assets of over $600 million. For more information about UMassFive, please visit www.umassfive.coop.