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.
Credit Unions Step Up As Tax Time Heroes
January 13, 2025
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Tax season is just around the corner, and two low-income credit unions are gearing up their tax-preparation services.
CDFI Grants Help Members. They Help Credit Unions, Too.
December 9, 2024
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Leaders share how grant funding has supported members on the fringes of financial ruin while underpinning credit union growth.
How Well Do You Know CDFIs? Test Your Community Impact IQ.
December 9, 2024
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CDFIs offer loans, investments, and financial education to individuals and businesses that might not have access to traditional banking services. Learn more about these financial first responders.
CDFI Certification Powers Up Community Impact In Florida And Beyond
December 9, 2024
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As the nation’s largest community development credit union, Suncoast is a force for development, collaboration, and innovation.
The Benefits Of Advisory Boards Go Beyond Accountability
December 9, 2024
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From focus groups to influencer marketing, two credit unions share why advisory boards are a valuable tool for any credit union.
The Unofficial Credit Union Anthem
December 9, 2024
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Credit unions have the power to change lives — and they shouldn’t be afraid to use it.
4 Takeaways From Day 2 Of Future Branches 2024
December 6, 2024
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Recruitment and retention, emotional loyalty, and more were key topics during the second day of the Austin event.
Holistic Wellness Finds A Home In Credit Unions
November 18, 2024
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From yoga to YouTube, three credit unions share insight on what’s working, or not, in their shops.
Building Bonds And Brand By Way Of Culture Kits
November 18, 2024
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Credit Union 1 is cultivating a people-first approach through a quarterly program that highlights different strategic goals and ties employee behavior to organization success.
Evolving HR Roles For An Evolving Workforce
November 18, 2024
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HR leaders offer insights into their job titles, the impact they have on their credit unions, and how their roles have evolved as employee needs evolve.
Credit Unions Step Up As Tax Time Heroes
Tax season is just around the corner, and two low-income credit unions are gearing up their tax-preparation services.
CDFI Grants Help Members. They Help Credit Unions, Too.
Leaders share how grant funding has supported members on the fringes of financial ruin while underpinning credit union growth.
How Well Do You Know CDFIs? Test Your Community Impact IQ.
CDFIs offer loans, investments, and financial education to individuals and businesses that might not have access to traditional banking services. Learn more about these financial ...
CDFI Certification Powers Up Community Impact In Florida And Beyond
As the nation’s largest community development credit union, Suncoast is a force for development, collaboration, and innovation.
The Benefits Of Advisory Boards Go Beyond Accountability
From focus groups to influencer marketing, two credit unions share why advisory boards are a valuable tool for any credit union.
4 Takeaways From Day 2 Of Future Branches 2024
Recruitment and retention, emotional loyalty, and more were key topics during the second day of the Austin event.
Holistic Wellness Finds A Home In Credit Unions
From yoga to YouTube, three credit unions share insight on what’s working, or not, in their shops.
Building Bonds And Brand By Way Of Culture Kits
Credit Union 1 is cultivating a people-first approach through a quarterly program that highlights different strategic goals and ties employee behavior to organization success.
Evolving HR Roles For An Evolving Workforce
HR leaders offer insights into their job titles, the impact they have on their credit unions, and how their roles have evolved as employee needs ...
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.
The Unofficial Credit Union Anthem