Yes, you need to be a member to apply for a loan, but no referral needed. Just sign up. Say you are affiliated with one of their causes. One of them just requires a $10 donation, which I gave but honestly I never saw the connection or requirement in the DCU account creation process. I did it for a good cause and to be on the up and up. I may or may not use DCU but happy to donate the $10.
No referrals are necessary, just a small cash reward for referrals. Not needed though.
Edit: My ‘cause’ was the "Reach out for Schools". $10 donation.