Lending to Churches

March 6, 1995

Bohdan Wenglowskyj
Gough, Skipworth, Summers, Eves & Trevett, P.C.
700 Reynolds Arcade
16 East Main Street
Rochester, New York 14614-1803

Re: Lending to Churches (Your February 15, 1995, Letter)

Dear Mr. Wenglowskyj:

You have asked whether it is permissible for a federal credit union (FCU) to grant a loan to a not-for-profit organization such as a church. This type of loan is permissible if the church is a member of the FCU. A loan to a church is considered a business loan and must meet the requirements set forth in Section 701.21(h) of NCUA's Regulations. Furthermore, the Standard FCU Bylaws limits loans to a nonnatural person such as a church to its shareholdings in the FCU. We recommend that the FCU consider adopting the standard bylaw amendment to Article XII, Section 1 which permits loans to other than natural persons in excess of their shareholdings.

Please let me know if you need additional assistance.