A non-profit credit union chartered to serve a low-income community. The structure is similar to that of a regular credit union, however, because CDCUs are non-profit, they are tax-exempt. CDCUs offer services not provided by mainstream banks, such as small loans at below-market rates to people who might not qualify for bank loans in a competitive situation. CDCUs rely heavily on banks, foundations, and other investors for deposits to support their work. Federally chartered CDCUs are regulated by the state they operate in.