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.
X-factors: How can they drive your credit union’s success?
April 22, 2016
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Learn how CES Credit Union ($103M) in Ohio drove 20% organic growth by addressing one X-factor.
What Can Credit Unions Learn from Niche Lenders
April 22, 2016
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One credit union’s dedicated focus on a niche market is paying off in double digit loan and share growth.
An Effective Board Recruiting Process
April 22, 2016
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Recruiting new board members is a often a constant priority for many credit unions. Pacific Service Credit Union’s advisory director program serves a “training program” for potential candidates.
Credit Unions Helping America’s Military Community
April 22, 2016
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The Pentagon Federal Credit Union and its Foundation sponsored a special concert of American patriotic songs by the US Army Chorus and the National Men’s Chorus in Washington, DC.
Supplier Diversity
April 22, 2016
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Veridian encourages diversity not only through its membership, but also through its choices of suppliers.
Educating Members One FICO Score at a Time
April 22, 2016
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According to recently released data from a bankrate.com survey, an astounding 45% of consumers do not know their credit score, and another 32% have never checked their credit report. In recognition of this startling trend BMI Federal Credit Union ($355M, Dublin, OH) launched an innovative, multi-purposed mail marketing campaign to address the issue head on.
Financial Education as a Credit Union Differentiator: Interview with A+ FCU
April 21, 2016
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Each credit union’s education program is exclusive and should be tailored to fit the unique needs of the membership, community, values and goals. Here is A+ FCU’s story.
‘Learning a New Language’: Combining Credit Union Cultures in a Merger
April 21, 2016
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Combining cultures can be the sticking point for many merger talks. United Federal used strategic leadership and guidance to blend two organizations into a cohesive whole.
Watch and Learn How One CU is Putting the Control in the Hands of the Member
April 21, 2016
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Diana Dykstra, CEO of San Francisco Fire Credit Union ($423m, San Francisco, CA) describes their 2007 strategy for demonstrating the credit union difference – allowing members to set their own rates and create their own accounts.
CEO Interview: Acting Boldly In Good Times
April 21, 2016
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Backed by record-setting financials but with low member growth, Pete Sainato, CEO of Justice FCU, is instigating a program of significantly boosting return and value to members.
X-factors: How can they drive your credit union’s success?
Learn how CES Credit Union ($103M) in Ohio drove 20% organic growth by addressing one X-factor.
What Can Credit Unions Learn from Niche Lenders
One credit union's dedicated focus on a niche market is paying off in double digit loan and share growth.
An Effective Board Recruiting Process
Recruiting new board members is a often a constant priority for many credit unions. Pacific Service Credit Union’s advisory director program serves a “training program” ...
Credit Unions Helping America’s Military Community
The Pentagon Federal Credit Union and its Foundation sponsored a special concert of American patriotic songs by the US ... Supplier Diversity
Veridian encourages diversity not only through its membership, but also through its choices of suppliers.
Educating Members One FICO Score at a Time
According to recently released data from a bankrate.com survey, an astounding 45% of consumers do not know their credit score, and another 32% have never ...
Financial Education as a Credit Union Differentiator: Interview with A+ FCU
Each credit union's education program is exclusive and should be tailored to fit the unique needs of the membership, community, values and goals. Here is ...
‘Learning a New Language’: Combining Credit Union Cultures in a Merger
Combining cultures can be the sticking point for many merger talks. United Federal used strategic leadership and guidance to blend two organizations into a cohesive ...
Watch and Learn How One CU is Putting the Control in the Hands of the Member
Diana Dykstra, CEO of San Francisco Fire Credit Union ($423m, San Francisco, CA) describes their 2007 strategy for demonstrating the credit ... CEO Interview: Acting Boldly In Good Times
Backed by record-setting financials but with low member growth, Pete Sainato, CEO of Justice FCU, is instigating a program of significantly boosting return and 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.