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.
Smart Marketing Speaks To A Select Employee Group
July 28, 2025
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At Publix Employees FCU, marketing plays a pivotal role in select employee group engagement.
Michigan Legacy Takes A Scientific Approach To Spotting Elder Financial Abuse
July 14, 2025
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A partnership with the Institute of Gerontology at Wayne State University has helped the credit union reduce reports of elder fraud by as much as 50%.
Build Resilience, Not Road Maps: 5 Strategic Planning Priorities For 2026 And Beyond
July 14, 2025
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From employee engagement to community impact and beyond, these are the initiatives credit unions must focus on to stay aligned and prepared for the challenges ahead.
Virtual Cards: More Than Just A Trend
July 7, 2025
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The next evolution in consumer payments — and credit unions that wait risk falling behind.
Best Of 2025 (So Far): Building Vibrant Communities
June 30, 2025
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A midyear look back at how credit unions are lifting up their communities in ways that go beyond just banking.
Best Of 2025 (So Far): Fostering Financially Strong Credit Unions
June 30, 2025
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Revisiting some of the unique strategies financial cooperatives are using to drive long-term success and sustainable organic growth.
Best Of 2025 (So Far): Supporting Member Financial Wellbeing
June 30, 2025
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From access to education and beyond, credit unions are putting members first in a way that’s not just about banking – it’s about financial empowerment.
Tracy Verner Is Breaking Barriers In St. Louis Finance
June 16, 2025
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The community development manager at Alltru FCU turned in her barbells for bank accounts and is building access one account at a time.
90 Years + 1,000 Volunteer Hours In 90 Days
June 16, 2025
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Education Credit Union launched “90 Days, 900 Ways to Serve” in honor of its 90th anniversary. The institution surpassed that goal thanks to widespread employee buy-in and strong community ties.
Game On: Inside A Financial Escape Room At Hanscom FCU
June 9, 2025
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The Massachusetts cooperative’s 2,300-square-foot full-service financial wellness office features fun and free interactive challenges that bring financial concepts to life.
Smart Marketing Speaks To A Select Employee Group
At Publix Employees FCU, marketing plays a pivotal role in select employee group engagement.
Michigan Legacy Takes A Scientific Approach To Spotting Elder Financial Abuse
A partnership with the Institute of Gerontology at Wayne State University has helped the credit union reduce reports of elder fraud by as much as ...
Virtual Cards: More Than Just A Trend
The next evolution in consumer payments — and credit unions that wait risk falling behind.
Best Of 2025 (So Far): Building Vibrant Communities
A midyear look back at how credit unions are lifting up their communities in ways that go beyond just banking.
Best Of 2025 (So Far): Fostering Financially Strong Credit Unions
Revisiting some of the unique strategies financial cooperatives are using to drive long-term success and sustainable organic growth.
Best Of 2025 (So Far): Supporting Member Financial Wellbeing
From access to education and beyond, credit unions are putting members first in a way that’s not just about banking – it’s about financial empowerment. ...
Tracy Verner Is Breaking Barriers In St. Louis Finance
The community development manager at Alltru FCU turned in her barbells for bank accounts and is building access one account at a time.
90 Years + 1,000 Volunteer Hours In 90 Days
Education Credit Union launched “90 Days, 900 Ways to Serve” in honor of its 90th anniversary. The institution surpassed that goal thanks to widespread employee ...
Game On: Inside A Financial Escape Room At Hanscom FCU
The Massachusetts cooperative’s 2,300-square-foot full-service financial wellness office features fun and free interactive challenges that bring financial concepts to life.
Browse Topics
Growth Is A Mindset, But Success Is In The Contract
Callahan & Associates
Arriba Advisors co-founder Tom Russell explores how credit unions can bridge the gap between a growth mindset and their technical reality.
Fraud Is Faster, Smarter, And Harder To Stop. Here’s How To.
Callahan & Associates
RKL offers insight, expertise, and experience to help fight off growing threats.
The Numbers Are Good. The Moment Is Hard.
William Hunt
Members are anxious about their financial futures, even as credit unions remain financially strong. Institutions that respond to this moment can make 2026 a turning point.
Wages Are Growing. Wallets Are Not.
Sherry Virden
Global events are flowing directly into household budgets, reshaping how credit union members save, borrow, and cope. Such trends don’t always show up in headline data.
Credit Unions Are Having A Margin Moment
Tony Waltrich
Credit unions are benefiting from a rare margin advantage as loans reprice slower than deposits. The question now is how institutions will use that strength to better serve members.
Where Have All The Members Gone?
Omar Shalabi
Membership growth is slowing, but financial activity is not. What does the modern financial relationship look like?
5 Takeaways From First Quarter Credit Union Performance Data
William Hunt
Inflation, war, and uncertain futures have reshaped members’ needs in 2026. What does credit union performance data from the first quarter of 2026 say about household budgets, inflation pressures, and more?
New Highs For Equity Markets Despite Iran And Oil Prices
Jason Haley
Look beyond the headlines to better understand what is driving current market trends and how they could impact credit union investment portfolios.
New Graduates Face A Cautious Job-Hiring Landscape
Tony Waltrich
Today’s job market is shaped by skills based expectations, with employers slowing entry level hiring and placing greater emphasis on applied experience.
A Credit Union Journey Into Cryptocurrency And Stablecoins
Savana Morie
St. Cloud Financial is betting on digital assets to protect member relationships and future relevance. It’s picked up lessons for other leaders along the way.
Build Resilience, Not Road Maps: 5 Strategic Planning Priorities For 2026 And Beyond