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.
Insights From The Outside: Jay Huffstatler
February 23, 2025
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The industry newcomer brings a deep history of development and networking to OnPath Foundation.
Say Hello To Help
February 10, 2025
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A partnership between a North Florida credit union and United Way’s local 211 service addresses an array of social challenges while establishing the cooperative as a trusted local resource.
From State Funds To Affordable Homes
February 3, 2025
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Heritage Family Credit Union launches a low-rate lending program to increase the availability of area affordable housing.
Michigan Microloans Empower Small Business Success
February 3, 2025
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Lake Trust Credit Union is driving statewide entrepreneurial spirit with a loan program that has provided more than $22 million in funding.
High Inflation Makes It Hard For Low-Income Workers To Budget
January 27, 2025
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As inflation reshapes budgets and deepens financial divides, it’s important for credit unions to step up with strategies that support members and tackle everyday challenges.
What’s In A Name: Director Of Multicultural Engagement
January 27, 2025
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Mountain America’s Jennifer Tarazon helps create quality member experiences, no matter a member’s background.
American 1 Promotes Financial Wellness From Shelter To Stability
January 27, 2025
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A partnership that helps the homeless wouldn’t be nearly as successful without the right people in the right seats — but that means more than just looking for the right work background.
How American 1 Helps The Homeless Get Back On Their Feet
January 27, 2025
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A partnership between the Michigan-based credit union and a local shelter is changing lives and gradually expanding to other parts of the state.
A Creative Mortgage Solution Helps Members Move Forward
January 20, 2025
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Wings Financial’s member-focused approach to lending helps it tackle high mortgage rates.
Insights From The Outside: Christopher Hendry
January 20, 2025
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The IC Federal Credit Union chief reflects on how decades spent outside of financial services have shaped his approach to credit union leadership.
Insights From The Outside: Jay Huffstatler
The industry newcomer brings a deep history of development and networking to OnPath Foundation.
Say Hello To Help
A partnership between a North Florida credit union and United Way’s local 211 service addresses an array of social challenges while establishing the cooperative as ...
From State Funds To Affordable Homes
Heritage Family Credit Union launches a low-rate lending program to increase the availability of area affordable housing.
Michigan Microloans Empower Small Business Success
Lake Trust Credit Union is driving statewide entrepreneurial spirit with a loan program that has provided more than $22 million in funding.
High Inflation Makes It Hard For Low-Income Workers To Budget
As inflation reshapes budgets and deepens financial divides, it’s important for credit unions to step up with strategies that support members and tackle everyday challenges.
What’s In A Name: Director Of Multicultural Engagement
Mountain America’s Jennifer Tarazon helps create quality member experiences, no matter a member’s background.
American 1 Promotes Financial Wellness From Shelter To Stability
A partnership that helps the homeless wouldn’t be nearly as successful without the right people in the right seats — but that means more than ...
How American 1 Helps The Homeless Get Back On Their Feet
A partnership between the Michigan-based credit union and a local shelter is changing lives and gradually expanding to other parts of the state.
A Creative Mortgage Solution Helps Members Move Forward
Wings Financial’s member-focused approach to lending helps it tackle high mortgage rates.
Insights From The Outside: Christopher Hendry
The IC Federal Credit Union chief reflects on how decades spent outside of financial services have shaped his approach to credit union leadership.
Browse Topics
The Callahan Guide To The 2026 Final Four
Tony Waltrich
What happens when credit union performance data meets March Madness? Callahan’s proprietary model breaks down state-level results to forecast who takes home the hardware.
A Rewards Program That Relies On Relationships, Not Usage
Savana Morie
Nuvision’s Added Advantage program tracks member engagement across the credit union, then rewards relationships through better pricing and other perks.
Innovations Financial Bets Big On Small Business Lending
Aaron Passman
CDFI grant funding helps the Florida cooperative offer microloans for small businesses after many banks pulled out of its market.
How Marine Credit Union Shifted Its Foundation From Siloed To Symbiotic
Savana Morie
By aligning governance, leadership, and day to day operations, Marine Credit Union transformed its foundation from a parallel operation into a visible extension of the credit union brand.
How Today’s Market Is Stress-Testing Credit Union And Bank Earnings Models
Andrew Lepczyk
Credit union and bank earnings reflect different business objectives. Those differences matter for how financial institutions serve their markets.
The Case For Marketing That Doesn’t Lead With The Credit Union
Savana Morie
Whitefish Credit Union barely mentions itself in its member stories. Instead, its high-quality video storytelling spotlights people, businesses, and communities, building trust, advocacy, and impact that don’t always show up in traditional ROI metrics.
Exit Interview: Deb Vollmer
Aaron Passman
The retired Langley FCU executive looks back on a career shaped by industry change, evolving leadership responsibility, and a constant focus on serving members first.
How Affinity FCU Became A Financial First Responder
Callahan & Associates
The New Jersey-New York metro credit union shares how a wellbeing-led strategy ensures members know where to turn first when life gets difficult.
Running With Scissors: The Bold Side Of Personalization
Callahan & Associates
To become skilled at personalization, credit unions must stop making assumptions about what resonates with members and start leveraging data to be sure.
A Short Guide To Compliance With The New Succession Planning Rule
Jennie Boden
Check all the right boxes while tying your credit union compliance efforts to strategy.