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.
2014 Credit Union Impact Report
March 3, 2015
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How much money did credit unions lend in 2014? How much higher were the interest rates they offered on deposit products? How many workers did they employ? All that and more in this year’s report.
If You Think Your Youth Campaign Is Hip, It Probably Isn’t
March 2, 2015
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Youth advisory boards help financial institutions connect with a new demographic on its own terms.
The Opportunity In Crowdsourced Lending For A Hispanic Community
March 2, 2015
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California-based Travis Credit Union combines the credit union experience with cultural customs.
SECU Scores Obama Nod With FICO Program
March 2, 2015
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A half-million members respond so far to North Carolina credit union’s offer of free credit scores. President digs it, too.
Member-Focused Staff Can Sell With Tech Tools
March 2, 2015
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You can have a member-focused staff while increasing sales and growing fee-income opportunities through technology.
Subprime Bubble? Not In Credit Union Land.
February 26, 2015
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Equifax report buttresses evidence that subprime auto lending is opportunity for credit unions to do good while doing well.
The Tithe That Binds
February 25, 2015
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Looking to make a larger community impact, Assemblies of God Credit Union has donated 10% of its yearly revenue to charity the past three years.
The Measurement Trap
February 24, 2015
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Is it time to rethink how and what we measure, especially in the credit union world where “high performance” has a different meaning than in for-profit financial institutions?
Need Expertise? Take Expertise. Got A Branch? Give A Branch.
February 23, 2015
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The financial system is ripe for enhanced cooperation between leagues, CUSOs, credit unions, and talented individuals.
7 Secrets For Merger Success
February 23, 2015
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These best practices will ensure your next merger won’t be your last.
2014 Credit Union Impact Report
How much money did credit unions lend in 2014? How much higher were the interest rates they offered on deposit products? How many workers did ...
If You Think Your Youth Campaign Is Hip, It Probably Isn’t
Youth advisory boards help financial institutions connect with a new demographic on its own terms.
The Opportunity In Crowdsourced Lending For A Hispanic Community
California-based Travis Credit Union combines the credit union experience with cultural customs.
Member-Focused Staff Can Sell With Tech Tools
You can have a member-focused staff while increasing sales and growing fee-income opportunities through technology.
Subprime Bubble? Not In Credit Union Land.
Equifax report buttresses evidence that subprime auto lending is opportunity for credit unions to do good while doing well.
The Tithe That Binds
Looking to make a larger community impact, Assemblies of God Credit Union has donated 10% of its yearly revenue to charity the past three years.
The Measurement Trap
Is it time to rethink how and what we measure, especially in the credit union world where “high performance” has a different meaning than in ...
Need Expertise? Take Expertise. Got A Branch? Give A Branch.
The financial system is ripe for enhanced cooperation between leagues, CUSOs, credit unions, and talented individuals.
7 Secrets For Merger Success
These best practices will ensure your next merger won’t be your last.
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.
SECU Scores Obama Nod With FICO Program