CRA Quick Start Guide

How to Build CRA-Eligible Financial Education Programs That Deliver Impact

Financial education isn’t just good for communities—it’s recognized under CRA as a powerful, qualifying community development activity when done right. The challenge? Most banks struggle to connect program design with regulatory requirements. This quick start guide shows you exactly how to do both.

What You’ll Learn

• How financial education qualifies under CRA primary purpose criteria
• Why schools are one of the most effective CRA-aligned delivery channels
• How to target low- and moderate-income (LMI) populations correctly
• How to structure programs as qualified investments and services
• What documentation you need for CRA examinations

Financial education programs must demonstrate a clear primary purpose and target LMI populations to qualify under CRA standards, something many institutions overlook. When done strategically, financial education programs can:

• Check multiple CRA boxes (investment + service)
• Deliver measurable community impact
• Strengthen relationships in key assessment areas

Download the Guide
Turn your financial education strategy into a CRA-qualified advantage.