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.
Lessons From The Retail World
February 10, 2016
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Traditional retailers and credit unions are not necessarily on the same side of the digital divide when it comes to moving the model online.
Keep New Member Referrals All In The Family
February 8, 2016
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Harvest FCU adds members through a family-focused referral program.
How Attentive Listening Makes For Stronger Lending
January 25, 2016
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First Source Federal Credit Union scores rapid loan growth by considering a borrower’s personal background as well as their financial history.
The New Rules Of Business In A #Trending World
January 18, 2016
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Actions in and out of the office now spread faster and farther than ever before. Here’s how to make sure the court of public opinion rules in your favor.
Educational Systems Federal Credit Union Takes “Support Education” Mantra To The Races
January 11, 2016
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Maryland credit union puts its commitment to education on display while also doubling down on the movement’s commitment to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
A Tale Of Two Internships
January 11, 2016
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How a Michigan credit union works with college millennials and veteran CUSO staff members alike.
25 Years In The Forest, Still Seeing Trees
January 6, 2016
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Its times like today when credit union executive teams most need a strategic mindset to lay the foundation for future success.
6 Big Ideas For 2016
January 4, 2016
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With the books on 2015 officially closed, it’s time to get excited about the new year ahead.
Equity Investment Is A Big Idea For 2016
January 4, 2016
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Crowdfunding provides opportunities for credit unions, small businesses, investors, and local communities.
Building Relevancy Is A Big Idea For 2016
January 4, 2016
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In this Q&A, the CEO of Listerhill Credit Union discusses how the Alabama institution searches for relevancy, speaks to Gen Z, and captures business at the point of purchase.
Keep New Member Referrals All In The Family
Harvest FCU adds members through a family-focused referral program.
How Attentive Listening Makes For Stronger Lending
First Source Federal Credit Union scores rapid loan growth by considering a borrower’s personal background as well as their financial history.
The New Rules Of Business In A #Trending World
Actions in and out of the office now spread faster and farther than ever before. Here’s how to make sure the court of public opinion ...
Educational Systems Federal Credit Union Takes “Support Education” Mantra To The Races
Maryland credit union puts its commitment to education on display while also doubling down on the movement’s commitment to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
A Tale Of Two Internships
How a Michigan credit union works with college millennials and veteran CUSO staff members alike.
25 Years In The Forest, Still Seeing Trees
Its times like today when credit union executive teams most need a strategic mindset to lay the foundation for future success.
6 Big Ideas For 2016
With the books on 2015 officially closed, it's time to get excited about the new year ahead.
Equity Investment Is A Big Idea For 2016
Crowdfunding provides opportunities for credit unions, small businesses, investors, and local communities.
Building Relevancy Is A Big Idea For 2016
In this Q&A, the CEO of Listerhill Credit Union discusses how the Alabama institution searches for relevancy, speaks to Gen Z, and captures business at ...
Browse Topics
Why Financial Empowerment Matters More Than Financial Literacy
Savana Morie
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
Tony Waltrich
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
Savana Morie
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
Savana Morie
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
Omar Shalabi
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.
Serving The Underserved Without Accepting Preventable Fraud Losses
Callahan & Associates
Preventable fraud losses quietly erode credit union margins. The difference between a 25% and 6% loss rate isn’t risk. It’s execution.
Inside An In-School Model That Links Classrooms With College And Careers
Savana Morie
Holy Rosary Credit Union has embedded itself into a local high school’s career and technical education program, offering scholarships, internships, and courses eligible for college credit.
6 Credit Union Executive Priorities For 2026
Jay Johnson
Credit union leaders want to know where peers are placing their focus. These six priorities reflect how leadership teams are responding to change with intention and clarity.
What’s Next For Credit Union Earnings?
Omar Shalabi
As margin support begins to fade, earnings performance is becoming more sensitive to revenue mix and harder to interpret through public reporting alone.
The Great Wealth Transfer Is Also A Relationship Transfer
Savana Morie
Harvard FCU combines digital estate planning with human financial guidance to support positive, proactive wealth transfer across generations.
Lessons From The Retail World