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.
NCUA Repeats Its Favorite April Fools’ Day Joke
April 2, 2015
No Comments
The Federal Credit Union Act requires the NCUA to submit an annual report to the President and Congress by April 1. Another year has come and gone with no report.
Security And Statistics Tell The Tale
April 2, 2015
No Comments
Reports show feds quietly raising bar on security and noting demographic differences in mobile banking and payments.
RBC2: Only One Mind To Change
April 2, 2015
No Comments
Credit unions should focus their efforts on persuading NCUA board member Rick Metsger to change his mind on RBC.
The Real Problem at Arrowhead Credit Union is Working With Common Purpose, Not Lack of Capital
April 1, 2015
No Comments
In late July, Inland Empire community leaders sent NCUA a letter about Arrowhead’s conservatorship. On August 10, NCUA responded but failed to address the writers’ chief concern — when will they get their credit union back?
A Fresh Start In Florida
April 1, 2015
No Comments
Manatee Community uses a stair-step loan strategy to help members establish a relationship with a financial institution, build savings, build credit, and apply for unsecured funds.
Raksha Shirali On Leadership
April 1, 2015
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The vice president of human resources at USAlliance Federal Credit Union talks career paths, talent identification, and management philosophy.
RBC2: It Ain’t Over Yet
March 31, 2015
No Comments
NCUA will assume it’s all peachy-keen unless the agency hears from credit unions.
NCUSIF 2014 Audit Documents Significant Management Gaps
March 30, 2015
No Comments
The annual performance of the share insurance fund is a real-world test of NCUA’s ability to identify future risk, document potential shortfalls, and accurately manage uncertainties.
RBC2: Once More, With Feeling
March 30, 2015
No Comments
Already commented once? Do it again. Haven’t yet? Now’s the time.
RBC And Some Inconvenient Truths
March 27, 2015
No Comments
Current comment period should be just the beginning of constant contact with those who rule our world.
Security And Statistics Tell The Tale
Reports show feds quietly raising bar on security and noting demographic differences in mobile banking and payments.
RBC2: Only One Mind To Change
Credit unions should focus their efforts on persuading NCUA board member Rick Metsger to change his mind on RBC.
The Real Problem at Arrowhead Credit Union is Working With Common Purpose, Not Lack of Capital
In late July, Inland Empire community leaders sent NCUA a letter about Arrowhead’s conservatorship. On August 10, NCUA responded but failed to address the writers’ ...
A Fresh Start In Florida
Manatee Community uses a stair-step loan strategy to help members establish a relationship with a financial institution, build savings, build credit, and apply for unsecured ...
Raksha Shirali On Leadership
The vice president of human resources at USAlliance Federal Credit Union talks career paths, talent identification, and management philosophy.
RBC2: It Ain’t Over Yet
NCUA will assume it's all peachy-keen unless the agency hears from credit unions.
NCUSIF 2014 Audit Documents Significant Management Gaps
The annual performance of the share insurance fund is a real-world test of NCUA’s ability to identify future risk, document potential shortfalls, and accurately manage ...
RBC2: Once More, With Feeling
Already commented once? Do it again. Haven't yet? Now's the time.
RBC And Some Inconvenient Truths
Current comment period should be just the beginning of constant contact with those who rule our world.
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.
NCUA Repeats Its Favorite April Fools’ Day Joke