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.
4 Ways Great Minds Address Adversity
January 16, 2015
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Don’t bemoan a streak of bad luck: harness it. Fate dealt these fledgling businesses a bad hand, but their mentalities carried them through to ultimate success.
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January 16, 2015
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How did the three board members and NCUA fare during the open meeting in which the agency released the revised risk-based capital proposal?
Credit Unions: Prove Thyself!
January 15, 2015
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Strategists, new Filene report say credit unions need new metrics to show the world how and why they matter.
What To Listen For When The NCUA Board Discusses The Revised RBC Rule
January 13, 2015
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To craft an effective response, credit unions must understand how board members view the rule.
First Imperial Grows Deposits While Shrinking Payday Lenders’ Market
January 12, 2015
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This California credit union grows deposits by focusing on checking account, and loan growth among members other financial institutions rebuff.
What Role Did The Practitioners Council Play In NCUA’s Revised Risk-Based Capital Rule?
January 12, 2015
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If NCUA implemented the role of the practitioners in the spirit of member participation, then the precedent could be an important milestone in how the agency works with credit unions.
Will NCUA’s Revised RBC Rule Benefit From Banking Regulators’ Experience?
January 12, 2015
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A speech by the vice chair of the FDIC should be top of mind as the industry considers the new risk-based capital proposal.
Children’s Health Is Something We Can All Agree On
January 12, 2015
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Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run promises to be bigger and better in 2015, but needs your support.
First Quarter Growth In 2015 Is Critical To Sustain Momentum
January 5, 2015
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First quarter is an ideal time to pay slightly above market to lock in long-term CDs and reactivate interest in money market offerings.
5 Ways To Work With Non-FI Cooperatives
December 24, 2014
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Lessons from five credit unions on the benefits of grocery co-op partnerships.
4 Ways Great Minds Address Adversity
Don’t bemoan a streak of bad luck: harness it. Fate dealt these fledgling businesses a bad hand, but their mentalities carried them through to ultimate ...
Credit Unions: Prove Thyself!
Strategists, new Filene report say credit unions need new metrics to show the world how and why they matter.
What To Listen For When The NCUA Board Discusses The Revised RBC Rule
To craft an effective response, credit unions must understand how board members view the rule.
First Imperial Grows Deposits While Shrinking Payday Lenders’ Market
This California credit union grows deposits by focusing on checking account, and loan growth among members other financial institutions rebuff.
What Role Did The Practitioners Council Play In NCUA’s Revised Risk-Based Capital Rule?
If NCUA implemented the role of the practitioners in the spirit of member participation, then the precedent could be an important milestone in how the ...
Will NCUA’s Revised RBC Rule Benefit From Banking Regulators’ Experience?
A speech by the vice chair of the FDIC should be top of mind as the industry considers the new risk-based capital proposal.
Children’s Health Is Something We Can All Agree On
Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run promises to be bigger and better in 2015, but needs your support.
First Quarter Growth In 2015 Is Critical To Sustain Momentum
First quarter is an ideal time to pay slightly above market to lock in long-term CDs and reactivate interest in money market offerings.
5 Ways To Work With Non-FI Cooperatives
Lessons from five credit unions on the benefits of grocery co-op partnerships.
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.
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