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.
Small Loans Could Be Big Business
June 3, 2015
No Comments
Zillow mortgage research shows that many small borrowers will pay 10% more for every dollar borrowed than a borrower with a $400,000 loan.
Understanding The Value Of Early Adopters
May 28, 2015
No Comments
Members who more readily accept new self-service options are a market segment worth cultivating.
4 Ways To Staff Tomorrow’s Credit Union Today
May 18, 2015
No Comments
Millennials and new organizational structures are shaping the credit union industry for today and tomorrow.
Susan Makris On Leadership
May 15, 2015
No Comments
Susan Makris, senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Patelco Credit Union, explains the importance of leadership style and culture within a growing credit union.
How Back-End Cooperation Will Help 6 Credit Unions Cut Compliance Costs By $200K
May 5, 2015
No Comments
Six small credit unions have projected more than $200,000 in compliance costs savings over the next two years with their new CUSO — and they say that’s just the beginning.
It’s Better To Be Real Than Perfect
May 5, 2015
No Comments
Presenters at the Financial Brand Forum explain why sharing shortfalls is just as important as touting strengths.
Enterprise Risk Overview Shows Progress, Way Forward
May 4, 2015
No Comments
Your risk management processes may be fine today, but are they sufficient to lead you tomorrow?
Exploding Opportunity In Exploding Diversity
April 30, 2015
No Comments
The growth of the millennial immigrant population has handed the credit union movement a great opportunity and obligation.
Test Your Boundaries Without Losing Your Bearings
April 27, 2015
No Comments
In a sky full of glittering opportunities, maintaining the industry’s guiding principles becomes more crucial, not less.
What Are Credit Unions Saying About RBC2?
April 27, 2015
No Comments
More than 1,000 credit union advocates from across the industry have made their voices heard. This selection of comments about NCUA’s revised risk-based capital proposal highlights drawbacks of the rule and underscores the importance of feedback.
Understanding The Value Of Early Adopters
Members who more readily accept new self-service options are a market segment worth cultivating.
4 Ways To Staff Tomorrow’s Credit Union Today
Millennials and new organizational structures are shaping the credit union industry for today and tomorrow.
Susan Makris On Leadership
Susan Makris, senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Patelco Credit Union, explains the importance of leadership style and culture within a growing ...
How Back-End Cooperation Will Help 6 Credit Unions Cut Compliance Costs By $200K
Six small credit unions have projected more than $200,000 in compliance costs savings over the next two years with their new CUSO — and they ...
It’s Better To Be Real Than Perfect
Presenters at the Financial Brand Forum explain why sharing shortfalls is just as important as touting strengths.
Enterprise Risk Overview Shows Progress, Way Forward
Your risk management processes may be fine today, but are they sufficient to lead you tomorrow?
Exploding Opportunity In Exploding Diversity
The growth of the millennial immigrant population has handed the credit union movement a great opportunity and obligation.
Test Your Boundaries Without Losing Your Bearings
In a sky full of glittering opportunities, maintaining the industry’s guiding principles becomes more crucial, not less.
What Are Credit Unions Saying About RBC2?
More than 1,000 credit union advocates from across the industry have made their voices heard. This selection of comments about NCUA’s revised risk-based capital proposal ...
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.
Small Loans Could Be Big Business