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.
Reorienting A Credit Union
April 29, 2016
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Changing Oregon Telco to Unitus Community Credit Union is an ongoing overhaul. Some jobs are done, but a deposit mix, segment profitability, and cross-selling are now on the front burner.
A Tipping Point in 2010
April 29, 2016
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North Island Credit Union put in place a rigorous cost-cutting regime as soon as the economic crisis hit.
Arrowhead’s Demise (And Sudden Resurrection) Generates Questions
April 29, 2016
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On June 25, NCUA put Arrowhead Credit Union into conservatorship. The confusing events that followed leave the Agency’s motivations unclear.
Staff Leads the Way in a Growing Credit Union
April 29, 2016
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Members “First” Community Credit Union’s community work, good products, and products-per-member ratio contribute to its healthy numbers.
Co-Op Principles from the Very Beginning
April 29, 2016
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Local Government Federal Credit Union makes known its dedication to cooperative principles in the marketplace.
Staying One Step Ahead of Card Fraud
April 29, 2016
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Vermont State Employees Credit Union ($440M, Montpelier, VT) is always looking to protect their members from various forms of fraud, without inconveniencing them.
Extending the Idea of a Credit Union: Interview with John Fenton
April 29, 2016
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Affinity FCU is moving beyond being a transactional institution to that plus an informational one, as well as promising members to make Affinity the easiest place to do business.
The Best Way to Grow Members in 2009
April 29, 2016
No Comments
Bank mergers and acquisitions, both large and small, provide a crucial opportunity for increasing membership and deposits in credit unions, as typically twenty percent of the disappearing bank’s deposits will change financial institutions within a year.
Digital Federal Credit Union Makes the Grade
April 26, 2016
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Take the rapidly rising costs of college education, mix in a private student loan market that has grown 450% in the last seven years alone, add a mass exodus of traditional lenders because of restricted access to capital, and you’ve got a volatile recipe for turmoil in the student loan marketplace.
Don’t Panic. Stick to Your Mission.
April 26, 2016
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We are in the low portion of a normal cycle. Previous good planning should carry you through, but some points to remember: Don’t panic; keep diversified; emphasize service over yield; stick to your mission; and maintain strong contact with members.
Reorienting A Credit Union
Changing Oregon Telco to Unitus Community Credit Union is an ongoing overhaul. Some jobs are done, but a deposit mix, segment profitability, and cross-selling are ...
A Tipping Point in 2010
North Island Credit Union put in place a rigorous cost-cutting regime as soon as the economic crisis hit.
Arrowhead’s Demise (And Sudden Resurrection) Generates Questions
On June 25, NCUA put Arrowhead Credit Union into conservatorship. The confusing events that followed leave the Agency's motivations unclear.
Staff Leads the Way in a Growing Credit Union
Members "First" Community Credit Union's community work, good products, and products-per-member ratio contribute to its healthy numbers.
Co-Op Principles from the Very Beginning
Local Government Federal Credit Union makes known its dedication to cooperative principles in the marketplace.
Staying One Step Ahead of Card Fraud
Vermont State Employees Credit Union ($440M, Montpelier, VT) is always looking to protect their members from various forms of fraud, without inconveniencing them.
Extending the Idea of a Credit Union: Interview with John Fenton
Affinity FCU is moving beyond being a transactional institution to that plus an informational one, as well as promising members to make Affinity the easiest ...
The Best Way to Grow Members in 2009
Bank mergers and acquisitions, both large and small, provide a crucial opportunity for increasing membership and deposits in credit unions, as typically twenty percent of ...
Digital Federal Credit Union Makes the Grade
Take the rapidly rising costs of college education, mix in a private student loan market that has grown 450% in the last seven years alone, ...
Don’t Panic. Stick to Your Mission.
We are in the low portion of a normal cycle. Previous good planning should carry you through, but some points to remember: Don’t panic; keep ...
Browse Topics
5 Takeaways From 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.
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.
Balancing Growth And Risk In Uncertain Lending Environments
Callahan & Associates
Traditional risk tools alone aren’t enough. Portfolio protection must evolve to meet members within the lending experience itself.
The Line Between Growth And Impact Was Blurry. Wright-Patt Decided To Redraw It.
Savana Morie
The Ohio cooperative is refining the role of its foundation to clarify what belongs within the credit union and what belongs under its charitable arm, strengthening focus and long term strategy for both.
Smarter Scheduling Delivers Faster Service And Lower Costs For 4Front Credit Union
Callahan & Associates
The credit union migrated its on-premises contact center and implemented workforce management software to maximize efficiency, minimize costs, and provide a better member experience.
The 84-Month Trap: How Negative Equity Is Quietly Undermining Your Auto Portfolio
Callahan & Associates
A new approach to vehicle affordability for credit unions.
2 Tactics To Increase Young Member Engagement
Aaron Passman
Youth banking programs, in-school branches, and a warm handoff to adulthood builds habits and relationships that last well beyond graduation.
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.
Don’t Wait For Data. FirstLook Analysis Is Available Today.
Callahan & Associates
Callahan & Associates provides an early look at quarterly performance results. Sneak a peek at the latest trends here.