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.
CEO Interview: Looking for Impact
April 26, 2016
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David Mooney, a former JPMorganChase banker, talks about his work to convert United Airlines Employees CU to Alliant CU.
A Lot of People Thought I was Nuts.
April 26, 2016
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After moving to a credit union one-third the size of his former bank, Richard Hurt was asked to take the credit union to the next level.
Recruited to Help with a Community Focus
April 26, 2016
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Wide experience in various for-profit financial institutions allowed Simone
Lagomarsino a broad perspective on credit union strategy and tactics.
Strategies to Increase Debit Card Usage
April 26, 2016
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Many credit unions just issue a debit card to their members with a checking account. Learn how Patriot FCU, University FCU and Citibank structure their programs.
The Best Staff for the Job
April 26, 2016
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With more than 220 branches across the state of North Carolina, State Employees’ Credit Union has a workforce that tops 4,000 employees. The selection and training of employees is essential to SECU’s one-on-one approach with members.
FirstLook: The Key to 14% Lending Growth
April 26, 2016
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Affinity FCU demonstrates that sticking by their membership, in good times and bad, can lead to phenomenal growth—even when the competition comes roaring back.
North Island is Back in Black
April 26, 2016
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First quarter results from North Island Financial Credit Union show a credit union on a journey back to health.
A Cash Cow 7 Years In The Making
April 26, 2016
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A review of NCUSIF audits show a rebuff of reality that marks seven years of building budgets while thwarting the fund’s intent to sustain and nurture.
A Blueprint For Call Center Performance Excellence
April 25, 2016
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Empowering employees to provide top-shelf member service requires careful selection, training, follow up and attention to their wellness.
A Campaign of Member Testimonials
April 22, 2016
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Unitus Community Credit Union used member testimonials to widen its presence in the community and convey member value.
CEO Interview: Looking for Impact
David Mooney, a former JPMorganChase banker, talks about his work to convert United Airlines Employees CU to Alliant CU.
A Lot of People Thought I was Nuts.
After moving to a credit union one-third the size of his former bank, Richard Hurt was asked to take the credit union to the next ...
Recruited to Help with a Community Focus
Wide experience in various for-profit financial institutions allowed Simone
Lagomarsino a broad perspective on credit union strategy and tactics.
Lagomarsino a broad perspective on credit union strategy and tactics.
Strategies to Increase Debit Card Usage
Many credit unions just issue a debit card to their members with a checking account. Learn how Patriot FCU, University FCU and Citibank structure their ...
The Best Staff for the Job
With more than 220 branches across the state of North Carolina, State Employees’ Credit Union has a workforce that tops 4,000 employees. The selection and ...
FirstLook: The Key to 14% Lending Growth
Affinity FCU demonstrates that sticking by their membership, in good times and bad, can lead to phenomenal growth—even when the competition comes roaring back.
North Island is Back in Black
First quarter results from North Island Financial Credit Union show a credit union on a journey back to health.
A Blueprint For Call Center Performance Excellence
Empowering employees to provide top-shelf member service requires careful selection, training, follow up and attention to their wellness.
A Campaign of Member Testimonials
Unitus Community Credit Union used member testimonials to widen its presence in the community and convey member value.
Browse Topics
Reflections From NACUSO Reimagine 2026
Alexandra Gekas
The annual conference offered insights on why service organizations remain a strategic asset for credit unions and how collaboration, AI, and advocacy are shaping what comes next.
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.
Consumers Are Financing The Future Any Way They Can
Aaron Passman
Studies show credit card debt and Buy Now, Pay Later usage continue to rise. Bigger increases could be around the corner.
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.
A Cash Cow 7 Years In The Making