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.
Connection And Caring Matter As Much As Knowledge And Resources
June 15, 2026
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People who are truly financially thriving have both means and a sense of security that comes from confidence about the future. Building that kind of emotional engagement requires a deliberate design of everyday interactions.
Keep The Mortgage. Ditch The Fees.
June 1, 2026
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A rethink of closing costs, rate relief, and employer partnerships helped 7 17 Credit Union build an affordable housing mortgage program that works.
The Line Between Growth And Impact Was Blurry. Wright-Patt Decided To Redraw It.
May 11, 2026
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The Ohio cooperative is refining the role of its foundation to clarify what belongs within the credit union and what belongs under its charitable arm, strengthening focus and long term strategy for both.
2 Tactics To Increase Young Member Engagement
May 11, 2026
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Youth banking programs, in-school branches, and a warm handoff to adulthood builds habits and relationships that last well beyond graduation.
No Branches? No Problem! Alliant Delivers The Cooperative Difference Digitally.
May 4, 2026
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The Illinois credit union uses culture, “wow” moments, and data to drive member loyalty.
Why Financial Empowerment Matters More Than Financial Literacy
April 27, 2026
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Alltru FCU stopped treating education as the end goal. Now, financial empowerment guides product design, access, and risk decisions.
42% Of U.S. Households Experience Financial Hardship
April 27, 2026
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More than 50 million U.S. households earn less than the minimum average income needed to cover basic costs of living.
Excite Foundation Breaks Down Barriers For Children’s Savings
April 27, 2026
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Automatic enrollment and community partnerships help the credit union foundation expand access to early savings for underserved families.
Credit Human Redefines ‘Green’ In The Heart Of Texas
April 20, 2026
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The credit union completed a three acre headquarters campus in 2021 that offers 52% more space while consuming a fraction of the resources. It’s a model of how cooperatives can lead on sustainability without sacrificing performance.
CDFIs By The Numbers
April 20, 2026
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CDFI credit unions might be fewer in number, but their impact reaches millions of members, and their footprint highlights how targeted mission can translate into broad, measurable reach.
Keep The Mortgage. Ditch The Fees.
A rethink of closing costs, rate relief, and employer partnerships helped 7 17 Credit Union build an affordable housing mortgage program that works.
The Line Between Growth And Impact Was Blurry. Wright-Patt Decided To Redraw It.
The Ohio cooperative is refining the role of its foundation to clarify what belongs within the credit union and what belongs under its charitable arm, ...
2 Tactics To Increase Young Member Engagement
Youth banking programs, in-school branches, and a warm handoff to adulthood builds habits and relationships that last well beyond graduation.
No Branches? No Problem! Alliant Delivers The Cooperative Difference Digitally.
The Illinois credit union uses culture, "wow" moments, and data to drive member loyalty.
Why Financial Empowerment Matters More Than Financial Literacy
Alltru FCU stopped treating education as the end goal. Now, financial empowerment guides product design, access, and risk decisions.
42% Of U.S. Households Experience Financial Hardship
More than 50 million U.S. households earn less than the minimum average income needed to cover basic costs of living.
Excite Foundation Breaks Down Barriers For Children’s Savings
Automatic enrollment and community partnerships help the credit union foundation expand access to early savings for underserved families.
Credit Human Redefines ‘Green’ In The Heart Of Texas
The credit union completed a three acre headquarters campus in 2021 that offers 52% more space while consuming a fraction of the resources. It’s a ...
CDFIs By The Numbers
CDFI credit unions might be fewer in number, but their impact reaches millions of members, and their footprint highlights how targeted mission can translate into ...
Browse Topics
AI Adoption Is Growing. Are Credit Unions Keeping Pace?
Andrew Lepczyk
New data from Gallup shows half of all employees who work for companies that pay for AI tools use them. Credit unions are building their own momentum.
A Credit Union Bond Beyond Bloodlines
Aaron Passman
For Mike and Dave Valentine, the family business just happens to be credit unions. The father-son duo talk leadership styles, cooperative values, and the lessons they’ve learned from each other along the way.
Connection And Caring Matter As Much As Knowledge And Resources
Chris Howard
People who are truly financially thriving have both means and a sense of security that comes from confidence about the future. Building that kind of emotional engagement requires a deliberate design of everyday interactions.
Markets Flip From Pricing Cuts To 50% Chance Of Hikes
Jason Haley
Look beyond the headlines to better understand what is driving current market trends and how they could impact credit union investment portfolios.
Keep The Mortgage. Ditch The Fees.
Savana Morie
A rethink of closing costs, rate relief, and employer partnerships helped 7 17 Credit Union build an affordable housing mortgage program that works.
Home Is Where The Heart (And More) Is
Aaron Passman
Where is mortgage growth coming from right now? This week, CreditUnions.com covers a mix of home equity campaigns, targeted affordability programs, and niche lending strategies that are bringing borrowers back into the market.
3 Ways To Market For HELOC Success
Aaron Passman
Home equity lending is a winning option for credit unions in today’s mortgage environment. Learn how three different shops meet members’ needs.
Small House, Big Opportunity: 2 Takes On Manufactured Home Loans
Aaron Passman
Manufactured home loans can provide members access to affordable housing, including those in rural areas. Two credit unions share how they approach the niche product.
Mortgage Lending Is Back, But It Looks Different
Tony Waltrich
After a prolonged slowdown, signs of life are returning to mortgage lending. Growth is uneven, with first-time buyers and shifting rate dynamics driving activity in select segments.
MSUFCU Turns A Break In Payments Into A Member Experience Moment
Aaron Passman
The Michigan cooperative keeps everyday payments working and members happy by using a common friction point to build brand loyalty.
Connection And Caring Matter As Much As Knowledge And Resources