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.
How A Credit Union Foundation Builds Equity And Access
August 11, 2025
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Park Community Credit Union Foundation reimagines local philanthropy through transparent practices, grassroots partnerships, and trust-based giving.
The New Retirement Reality Reveals Startling Facts
July 28, 2025
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A 2025 BlackRock survey presents a snapshot of retirement readiness and shows Americans are saving, struggling, and still working.
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.
How A Credit Union Foundation Builds Equity And Access
Park Community Credit Union Foundation reimagines local philanthropy through transparent practices, grassroots partnerships, and trust-based giving.
The New Retirement Reality Reveals Startling Facts
A 2025 BlackRock survey presents a snapshot of retirement readiness and shows Americans are saving, struggling, and still working.
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.
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.
Build Resilience, Not Road Maps: 5 Strategic Planning Priorities For 2026 And Beyond