In the News

Excerpted from www.wbng.com:

CHENANGO COUNTY, N.Y. (WBNG) —The Sidney Federal Credit Union donated $500,000 to the Impact Project, an initiative that helps low-income residents in the Southern Tier make improvements to their homes.

The Impact Project helps families in the area make repairs to their houses that they otherwise cannot afford, including adding new roofs, wheel-chair accessible ramps, furnaces, hot water heaters, and septic systems, to name a few.

“Up until this project was created several years ago, we had no way of helping people over the federal poverty level because of the funding through our grants and stuff like that, which enables us to do that, so with this program, we’ve been able to stretch out and help more people,” said Jim Willard, Executive Director of The Impact Project.

Founded in 2004, the Impact Project allows families that live at or below the federal poverty guidelines to qualify for free home repairs.

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Excerpted from Binghamtonhomepage.com:

GREENE, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – A local charity that makes necessary home repairs for the poor, disabled, and elderly is getting some important financial backing.

Sidney Federal Credit Union announced a $500,000 pledge in Impact Project Loans for homeowners who need critical home repairs and whose income qualifies under New York State HEAP guidelines.

The program covers Chenango, Otsego, Delaware, and Northern Broome counties.

Sidney Federal Credit Union President Jim Reynolds says The Impact Project is a huge help in the community, and joining forces was a no-brainer.

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Excerpted from Fox40 (www.wicz.com):

Sidney Federal Credit Union announced a $500,000 pledge in project loans for those who need home repairs.

Officials from both Sidney Federal Credit Union (SFCU) and The Impact Project came together for the announcement Friday. A $300,000 pledge came from SFCU in partnership with The Impact Project so qualified homeowners could borrow up to $15,000 at half a percent interest over five years in 2023.

Now the funds have increased up to $500,000 and qualified homeowners can still get the aforementioned amount if they qualify.

“I’m proud to say that we’re extending another $500,000 in pledge to impact project loans and those are $15,000 loans, up to $15,000 loans and it’s one-half a percent interest for qualified homebuyers, homeowners that fall below the HEAP guidelines,” Sidney Federal Credit Union President Jim Reynolds said.

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Excerpted from AllOtsego.com:

Sidney Federal Credit Union is proud to announce a $1 million community support initiative for 2026, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening the communities it serves. Appropriately titled “Why SFCU? 1 Million Reasons,” the initiative reflects the many ways SFCU, together with its members, makes a meaningful difference in the lives of residents throughout the region.

The yearlong initiative will support local nonprofit organizations focused on housing, food and essential needs, education, and transportation—four foundational areas that help communities thrive. From helping put a warm blanket on someone’s bed, to ensuring food is on the table, students have the tools they need to learn, and families have reliable transportation to get to work or school, each focus area represents a tangible way SFCU and its members are supporting everyday life in their communities.

“The “Why SFCU? 1 Million Reasons” initiative exists for one simple reason: our members,” said Jim Reynolds, president and chief executive officer of SFCU.

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Excerpted from TipRanks.com:

According to a recent LinkedIn post from SavvyMoney, the company is spotlighting the performance of several credit union partners through its 2025 Savvy Awards program. The post highlights nine financial institutions recognized across four categories—adoption, engagement, financial wellness, and analytics—suggesting these partners have used SavvyMoney’s tools in multi-channel campaigns, targeted analytics, and financial wellness initiatives to drive user adoption and measurable consumer action.

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The awards, which name specific winners such as North Star Community Credit Union, Timberland Federal Credit Union, Community First Credit Union (Wisconsin), Sidney Federal Credit Union, Texell Credit Union, IU Credit Union, Vicinity Credit Union, Zia Credit Union, and BayPort Credit Union, indicate active usage of SavvyMoney’s platform within the credit union segment.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sidney Federal Credit Union Announces $1 Million to Support Local Communities in 2026

SIDNEY, NY — Sidney Federal Credit Union (SFCU) is proud to announce a $1 million community support initiative for 2026, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening the communities it serves. Appropriately titled “Why SFCU? 1 Million Reasons,” the initiative reflects the many ways SFCU, together with its members, makes a meaningful difference in the lives of residents throughout the region.

The yearlong initiative will support local nonprofit organizations focused on housing, food and essential needs, education, and transportation; four foundational areas that help communities thrive. From helping put a warm blanket on someone’s bed, to ensuring food is on the table, students have the tools they need to learn, and families have reliable transportation to get to work or school, each focus area represents a tangible way SFCU and its members are supporting everyday life in their communities.

“The “Why SFCU? 1 Million Reasons” initiative exists for one simple reason: our members,” said Jim Reynolds, President and CEO of Sidney Federal Credit Union. “Because our members choose to bank locally with SFCU, we’re able to reinvest directly into the communities they call home. This commitment is our way of saying thank you and continuing our mission of people helping people.”

More than a series of donations, the “Why SFCU? 1 Million Reasons” initiative is designed to create a lasting, meaningful impact. In addition to financial support, SFCU will partner with local organizations for hands-on community activations and employee volunteer initiatives throughout the year.

For more information about the $1 million community support initiative, the organizations being supported, and how to get involved, visit sfcuonline.org/1millionreasons or follow @sidneyfcu on social media.

About Sidney Federal Credit Union
Headquartered in Sidney, NY, SFCU is a full-service financial institution providing the tools and resources members need to make banking easy and convenient.  SFCU membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in: Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Essex, Fulton, Hamilton, Madison, Montgomery, Onondaga, Otsego and Schoharie counties and portions of Broome, Oneida and Herkimer counties.  More information on SFCU can be found at www.sfcuonline.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sidney Federal Credit Union Announces First Micro-Branch Opening in Downtown Syracuse

New location in the historic Chimes Building reinforces SFCU’s long-term commitment to Onondaga County

Syracuse, NY — Sidney Federal Credit Union (SFCU) is proud to announce plans to open a new branch in downtown Syracuse this summer, marking the credit union’s first-ever micro-branch and an exciting new chapter in its continued growth across Central New York.

Located in the historic Chimes Building, directly across from Salt City Market, the new Syracuse branch will leverage innovative technology to deliver a modern, convenient self-service experience. Members will have access to essential banking services through advanced digital tools, with knowledgeable SFCU team members readily available to provide personalized support when needed.

“This micro-branch represents both innovation and intention,” said Jim Reynolds, President and CEO of Sidney Federal Credit Union.  “We’re embracing new ways to serve our members while making a clear statement that Sidney Federal Credit Union is here to stay in Syracuse.”

While this will be SFCU’s first physical location within the City of Syracuse, the credit union has been serving the greater Onondaga County area for several years through its Cicero and Liverpool branches. The addition of a downtown Syracuse branch underscores SFCU’s long-term commitment to the region and its residents.

As a growing credit union serving multiple counties across New York State, SFCU remains deeply focused on community impact. The timing of the Syracuse micro-branch opening aligns closely with the credit union’s $1 Million Giveback initiative launching in 2026, through which SFCU will invest $1 million into its communities by supporting core areas of need and strengthening partnerships with key nonprofit organizations, many of which are based in Onondaga County.

“Being part of downtown Syracuse, especially in a building with such historic significance, allows us to meet people where they are and be an active participant in the city’s continued growth,” Jim Reynolds added. “Through our partnership with the Allyn Family Foundation, whose mission and values align so closely with ours here at SFCU, we are excited about the role this branch will play in serving the community in a meaningful way.”

More details about the Syracuse micro-branch, including an official opening date and community celebration plans, will be announced in the coming months.

About Sidney Federal Credit Union
Sidney Federal Credit Union is a member-owned credit union dedicated to improving the financial well-being of its members and communities. Serving multiple counties throughout New York State, SFCU offers a full range of financial products and services while remaining deeply committed to community support, partnerships, and giving back.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sidney Federal Credit Union to Open New Branch in Morris, NY: A Community-Focused Milestone for the Butternut Valley Region

Sidney, NY — [July 30, 2025] — Sidney Federal Credit Union (SFCU) is proud to announce the opening of a new branch in the heart of Morris, NY — a project made possible through a remarkable partnership with the Butternut Valley Alliance and the New York State Banking Development District (BDD) program.

This new branch represents more than just bricks and mortar; it’s the result of years of grassroots community collaboration. The Butternut Valley Alliance, a regional partnership of Morris, Butternut, Gilbertsville, and Mt. Upton, recognized the need for accessible financial services and took action to find a partner that shared their values. SFCU, with its long-standing mission of making financial resources available to all, answered that call.

As part of its designation under the Banking Development District program, SFCU received seed funding to support its expansion into Morris and is now able to accept municipal deposits, a crucial step in helping local governments manage resources effectively and keep dollars circulating locally.

“I’m so pleased to see brick-and-mortar banking return to the Butternut Valley to the historic building that has housed financial services for over 150 years,” said Maggie Brenner, Vice Chair of Butternut Valley Alliance and lead on its “Save Our Bank” initiative. “And Sidney Federal Credit Union has proven that it is an excellent institution to fulfill our banking needs. Early in the process of bringing banking back to Morris, when BVA was recruiting banking institutions, SFCU quickly rose to the top of our list of preferred banking entities because of their solid reputation and strong commitment to the communities they serve.  SFCU has already proven itself to be a true community bank and we at BVA couldn’t be happier to welcome them to the Valley.”

The new branch will also serve as an anchor for community development and financial literacy initiatives with a vision that begins at birth and spans generations. In alignment with this goal, the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) will be conducting a site visit as part of the final phase of the application process, giving the community an opportunity to showcase the impact and need for this expansion.

The Morris branch is part of SFCU’s broader effort to bring banking services to underserved rural areas. SFCU will be launching a mobile branch to service communities like Downsville and Unadilla, driven by the same commitment to local access and financial empowerment.

About Sidney Federal Credit Union
Headquartered in Sidney, N.Y., Sidney Federal Credit Union (SFCU) is a member-owned financial institution serving Central New York. Dedicated to community investment and accessibility, SFCU provides a full suite of financial services with a mission to meet members where they are — both geographically and financially.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sidney Federal Credit Union (SFCU) Surpasses $1 Billion Threshold

SIDNEY, NY (September 24, 2024): – Sidney Federal Credit Union (SFCU) is proud to announce it has exceeded $1 billion in assets and stands more than 72,000 members strong.  The milestone comes as SFCU celebrates its 75^th anniversary this year.

SFCU has experienced tremendous growth over the last year after merging with Edge FCU in Liverpool, NY in October 2023 and opening a new branch in Cicero, NY in May.

The credit union currently operates 12 branch locations across parts of 14 counties in upstate New York.

“It’s been a year of celebrations,” said SFCU President and CEO Jim Reynolds. “While we celebrate 75 years of serving our members, we also celebrate reaching $1 billion in assets. It’s a testament to the trust and support of our membership. As our credit union grows so does our capability to have a positive impact on our communities. We look forward to the next 75 years of service and community support.”

Headquartered in Sidney, NY, SFCU is a full-service financial institution providing the tools and resources members need to make banking easy and convenient.  SFCU membership is open to anyone who lives, work, worships, attends school or regularly conducts business in: Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Essex, Fulton, Hamilton, Madison, Montgomery, Onondaga, Otsego and Schoharie counties and portions of Broome, Oneida and Herkimer counties. More information on SFCU can be found at Website.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sidney Federal Credit Union (SFCU) Opens Member Service Location in Morris

SIDNEY, NY (Sept. 10, 2024): – Sidney Federal Credit Union announced today that it is opening a Member Service location in Morris, NY.

The temporary location, shared with Zrowka’s Creekside Farms, at 140 Main Street, Suite C in Morris will give residents the opportunity to work with an SFCU member engagement officer to open accounts, open share certificates, apply for loans and enroll in online banking. Due to the nature of services provided cash transactions will not be available.

SFCU will have representatives onsite, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 11 a.m. to 1p.m.  Hours may change based on demand.

“We’re proud to bring some financial services back to the Morris community,” said SFCU President and CEO Jim Reynolds. “The Banking Development District application with the New York State Department of Financial Services is still in progress, but that doesn’t limit us from beginning our outreach with the residents. This again shows our commitment to the community and our willingness to lend a helping hand.  Special thanks go to the Butternut Valley Alliance in helping us find this location.”

Headquartered in Sidney, NY, SFCU is a full-service financial institution providing the tools and resources members need to make banking easy and convenient.  SFCU membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in: Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Essex, Fulton, Hamilton, Madison, Montgomery, Onondaga, Otsego and Schoharie counties and portions of Broome, Oneida and Herkimer counties. More information on SFCU can be found at www.sfcuonline.org.

Excerpt from The Daily Star: SFCU donates to DCMO BOCES –

The Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES backpack program received a donation from Sidney Federal Credit Union Monday, June 24.

Rebecca Hedlund, SFCU membership engagement officer, and Denys Soto, SFCU membership services coordinator, presented a $1,000 check to Sara Stafford, director of special education for DCMO BOCES.

“For some of our students, the backpack program gives them access to snacks and serves ready foods they can consume during school breaks when school food is unavailable,” Stafford said. “The generous contribution from SFCU will help us feed more students.”

The backpack program helps address food insecurity and was selected by SFCU to receive a donation.

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BVA Task Force Rescues Banking Services for Morris and the Butternut Valley

MORRIS—After six months of research, organizing, strategizing and negotiating, the Butternut Valley Alliance has announced a partnership with Sidney Federal Credit Union. SFCU will now take the necessary measures to open a full-service branch in Morris. This development comes as a result of proactive steps taken by the “Save Our Bank” task force, guided by BVA board members and including several concerned residents.

SFCU will now apply to the New York State Department of Financial Services for designation as a Bank Development District. This designation will make the branch opening financially feasible and will also allow municipalities to bank with the credit union.

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Sidney Federal Credit Union takes a leap into the future of lending with Scienaptic’s AI-powered credit underwriting platform

NEW YORK, NY (February 5, 2024) — Leading global AI-powered automated credit underwriting platform provider, Scienaptic AI, announced today that Sidney Federal Credit Union has chosen to implement its AI-powered credit decisioning platform. The credit union aims to streamline its credit underwriting process by utilizing Scienaptic’s fair, inclusive, and regulatory-compliant AI platform.

“At Sidney Federal Credit Union, we are committed to meeting the ever-evolving needs of our members and also aspire to strike the perfect chord between the convenience of technology and the warmth of a personalized experience,” said Nicole Krom, Senior VP of Lending at Sidney Federal Credit Union. “Scienaptic’s AI-powered credit underwriting platform aligns seamlessly with our commitment to enhance inclusivity, efficiency, and financial well-being. It will propel us to not only approve more loans but to extend credit assistance far and wide, reaching a diverse spectrum of individuals. Together, we’re building a future where financial empowerment knows no bounds.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sidney Federal Credit Union (SFCU) Pledges $300,000 in Funding for Impact Project Loans

SIDNEY, NY (Dec. 15, 2023): – Sidney Federal Credit Union (SFCU) and The Impact Project announced a partnership that will see up to $300,000 in loans funded to support low income residents of the tri-counties of Chenango, Delaware and Otsego that fall under ALICE guidelines (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). The Impact Project loans are for amounts up to $15,000 for home repairs and charge only 0.5% interest. The goal is to help families maintain and increase equity in their homes and stabilize their housing situation through repair and rehabilitation projects.

“There’s no greater testament to the credit union mission of ‘People Helping People’ than The Impact Project,” said SFCU President Jim Reynolds. “Financial instability is a real problem in the Southern Tier. Supporting projects that rehabilitate homes not only help improve our members’ lives but also the communities in which they live.”

“Every 48 hours a homeowner in Chenango County leaves their home. There are many reasons for this, but the final nail in the coffin is the home is no longer safe and affordable. The Southern Tier is a great place to live. Our mission is to help those homeowners with major home repairs that they can’t do themselves, so that they will stay in their home,“ said Impact Project Director Jim Willard.

Impact Project is a nonprofit 501c3 based in Greene, NY that provides major home repairs for low income families. The Impact Project just completed its 190th home rehabilitation in December 2023. The non-profit has been in operation since 2004. More information on The Impact Project can be obtained by visiting theimpactprojectgreene.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sidney Federal Credit Union (SFCU) and Edge Federal Credit Union Merge

SIDNEY, NY (Oct. 01, 2023): – Sidney Federal Credit Union (SFCU) announced today that it has merged with Edge Federal Credit Union. The merger raises SFCU’s membership to more than 70,000 and creates an 11-branch network that stretches through central New York.

“We are excited to welcome the Edge membership into SFCU,” said SFCU President/CEO Jim Reynolds. “Our shared passion for financial education, growing the communities we serve, and serving our members will make us a more dynamic organization. We are also proud to announce we are retaining the Edge staff and their branch location in Liverpool, NY, so members will continue to see the same smiling faces they’ve known and trusted over the years. This has the added benefit of providing a service center for our nearly 2,600 pre-existing members in Onondaga county. With our upcoming branch location in Cicero, NY, scheduled to open in late 2023, we’re poised to serve the entire Syracuse market for years to come.”

SFCU now boasts assets of more than $920 million as a result of the merger. Additionally, SFCU will take over operations of two in-school branches located in Baldwinsville and Liverpool High Schools, respectively. Members will notice new products and services, enhanced online-banking offerings, better rates with lower fees and more.

Headquartered in Sidney, NY, SFCU is a full-service financial institution providing the tools and resources members need to make banking easy and convenient. SFCU membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in: Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Essex, Fulton, Hamilton, Madison, Montgomery, Onondaga, Otsego and Schoharie counties and portions of Broome, Oneida and Herkimer counties. More information on SFCU can be found at Website.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sidney Federal Credit Union Breaks Ground on Cicero Location

SIDNEY, NY (July 20, 2023): – Sidney Federal Credit Union (SFCU) ceremonially broke ground on its first Syracuse-area branch at 8062 Brewerton Rd. in Cicero, NY. Board Chairman Scott McLean and CEO Jim Reynolds had the honor of launching the project.

The new branch will feature the same concierge-style concept that SFCU established in its Amsterdam location, with personal teller pods and video-enabled iTMs that allow members to connect virtually with an SFCU representative while conducting transactions. The approximately 3,000 square-foot building will also feature a large “community room” that can be used for financial wellness seminars, first-time homebuyer classes and more.

Principle Design Engineering PLLC based in Norwich, NY are the architects of the build and S.J. Thomas Co. Inc. based in Syracuse, NY has been selected as general contractor. Construction will begin as soon as permits are approved by the town of Cicero and plans are to complete the project by late 2023 or early 2024.

SFCU continues to be one of the fastest growing credit unions in New York. Membership currently stands more than 67,000 strong and assets total more than $865 million.

Headquartered in Sidney, NY, SFCU is a full-service financial institution providing the tools and resources members need to make banking easy and convenient. SFCU membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in: Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Essex, Fulton, Hamilton, Madison, Montgomery, Onondaga, Otsego and Schoharie counties and portions of Broome, Oneida and Herkimer counties. More information on SFCU can be found at Website.