JetStream FCU Turns CDFI Funding Into Lifelines After Hurricane Maria
A pair of CDFI grants allowed the Florida-based credit union to help members restart their lives on the island or relocate to the United States.
Impact/Purpose
Our Purpose page is your central resource to explore strategies that elevate products and services from run-of-the-mill commodities to powerful tools that support members and communities and set credit unions apart from competitors.
Top Impact/Purpose Articles
Wright-Patt Turns Purpose Into Property For First-Time Homebuyers
The Ohio credit union’s Sunshine Community Fund is backing new homes in Dayton, combining financial support, education, and cross-team collaboration to empower first-time buyers.
First Alliance Debuts Mission-Driven Deposits
The Minnesota-based cooperative invites high-dollar depositors to turn private prosperity into shared possibility through a savings product designed around social impact.
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: Employee Enablement
February 23, 2026
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This year’s Innovation Series returns with bigger impact and broader horizons. Since 2018, this annual showcase has spotlighted forward-thinking solutions by giving innovators a stage to share ideas, demonstrate solutions, and spark meaningful change.
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: Digital Member Engagement
February 23, 2026
No Comments
This year’s Innovation Series returns with bigger impact and broader horizons. Since 2018, this annual showcase has spotlighted forward-thinking solutions by giving innovators a stage to share ideas, demonstrate solutions, and spark meaningful change.
The American Budget Squeeze
February 23, 2026
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The affordability crisis extends far beyond big-ticket expenses. As the rising cost of basic necessities outpaces income growth, household budgets are under strain and long-term financial stability is increasingly at risk.
What Is The K-Shaped Economy And What Can Credit Unions Do About It?
February 16, 2026
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The gulf between the haves and the have-nots has widened in recent years. Credit unions can help members catch up.
5 Takeaways From NLCUP 2026
February 10, 2026
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On-site coverage at the National Association of Latino Credit Union Professionals’ 2026 conference explores how representation, emotional experience, and community trust are converging to shape the future of credit unions.
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: AI-Powered Member Experience
February 9, 2026
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This year’s finalists are reimagining how credit unions can use AI to combine cutting-edge technology with old-school member service.
When Members Don’t Turn To FIs, They Turn To Friends And Family
February 9, 2026
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Financial advice comes in many forms. How can credits union make sure they are the No. 1 choice for their members?
A Small Match Builds Big Emergency Savings At Lake Trust
February 9, 2026
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A program to help staffers improve their savings skills generated more than $200,000 in deposits and helped change participants’ financial habits.
Operationalizing Financial Wellbeing For Long-Term Growth
February 6, 2026
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Join a fireside chat as we walk through Patelco’s financial wellbeing strategy and the day to day tactics shaped by ongoing member and consumer behavior feedback.
5 Tucson Credit Unions Join Forces For Affordable Housing
February 2, 2026
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A handful of regional credit unions pair up with the GoWest Foundation to offer 100% financing for eligible borrowers.
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: Employee Enablement
This year’s Innovation Series returns with bigger impact and broader horizons. Since 2018, this annual showcase has spotlighted forward-thinking solutions by giving innovators a stage ...
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: Digital Member Engagement
This year’s Innovation Series returns with bigger impact and broader horizons. Since 2018, this annual showcase has spotlighted forward-thinking solutions by giving innovators a stage ...
The American Budget Squeeze
The affordability crisis extends far beyond big-ticket expenses. As the rising cost of basic necessities outpaces income growth, household budgets are under strain and long-term ...
What Is The K-Shaped Economy And What Can Credit Unions Do About It?
The gulf between the haves and the have-nots has widened in recent years. Credit unions can help members catch up.
5 Takeaways From NLCUP 2026
On-site coverage at the National Association of Latino Credit Union Professionals’ 2026 conference explores how representation, emotional experience, and community trust are converging to shape ...
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: AI-Powered Member Experience
This year's finalists are reimagining how credit unions can use AI to combine cutting-edge technology with old-school member service.
When Members Don’t Turn To FIs, They Turn To Friends And Family
Financial advice comes in many forms. How can credits union make sure they are the No. 1 choice for their members?
A Small Match Builds Big Emergency Savings At Lake Trust
A program to help staffers improve their savings skills generated more than $200,000 in deposits and helped change participants’ financial habits.
Operationalizing Financial Wellbeing For Long-Term Growth
Join a fireside chat as we walk through Patelco’s financial wellbeing strategy and the day to day tactics shaped by ongoing member and consumer behavior ...
5 Tucson Credit Unions Join Forces For Affordable Housing
A handful of regional credit unions pair up with the GoWest Foundation to offer 100% financing for eligible borrowers.
Browse Topics
The Numbers That Matter Most To Credit Unions
Aaron Passman
A look at year-end performance trends reveals how earnings, affordability pressures, and asset quality are redefining the operating environment heading into 2026.
The Affordability Crisis Is Reshaping Credit Union Balance Sheets
Sherry Virden
Members are struggling with an affordability crisis that is changing how they manage debt, and new behaviors are showing up across the credit union loan portfolio.
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: Employee Enablement
Callahan & Associates
This year’s Innovation Series returns with bigger impact and broader horizons. Since 2018, this annual showcase has spotlighted forward-thinking solutions by giving innovators a stage to share ideas, demonstrate solutions, and spark meaningful change.
Asset Quality Takes An Uncomfortable Turn In 2025
Andrew Lepczyk
Credit union asset quality didn’t collapse in 2025 — but it didn’t cooperate, either. What’s going on, and are credit unions prepared to respond in 2026?
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: Fraud Prevention And Resolution
Callahan & Associates
This year’s Innovation Series returns with bigger impact and broader horizons. Since 2018, this annual showcase has spotlighted forward-thinking solutions by giving innovators a stage to share ideas, demonstrate solutions, and spark meaningful change.
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: Digital Member Engagement
Callahan & Associates
This year’s Innovation Series returns with bigger impact and broader horizons. Since 2018, this annual showcase has spotlighted forward-thinking solutions by giving innovators a stage to share ideas, demonstrate solutions, and spark meaningful change.
The American Budget Squeeze
Tony Waltrich
The affordability crisis extends far beyond big-ticket expenses. As the rising cost of basic necessities outpaces income growth, household budgets are under strain and long-term financial stability is increasingly at risk.
Flexibility In The Earnings Model Matters More As Rates Turn
Omar Shalabi
As credit unions move deeper into 2026, the earnings conversation is shifting. Elevated interest rates have boosted margins and strengthened earnings flexibility, but that advantage won’t persist indefinitely.
Credit Unions At A Crossroads: Shifts, Risks, And Opportunities
Callahan & Associates
A radical shift is taking place in the way consumers move money and engage with their financial institution.
Building A ‘Culture’ Of Confidence At MSUFCU
Aaron Passman
How the Michigan-based cooperative’s “Culture of Finance” curriculum is reframing financial education.