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.
What Does The December NCUSIF Audit Mean For Credit Unions?
February 22, 2012
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NCUSIF’s audited financials can help credit unions evaluate NCUA’s management of the $11 billion in cooperative system’s capital.
The Power of Transparency
February 13, 2012
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Transparency allows for all to take informed action, which is why disclosure is built into the cooperative system.
Members’ Choices Aren’t So Rational
February 13, 2012
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Goldilocks and Starbucks offer lessons in behavioral economics that credit unions can use to help members make decisions that are “just right.”
The Darkness Spreads Over Credit Union Land: $50B Unaccounted For
December 21, 2011
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There has been no public accounting for the Temporary Corporate Credit Union Stabilization Fund for nearly two years. Where are the voices calling for light?
Email Fraud’s Latest Design
November 22, 2011
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Help your members combat the evolving forms of email fraud by offering them prevention tips.
What Does Your Brand Taste Like?
November 1, 2011
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A South American bank gives its brand a whole new look (and feel, and smell, and sound).
Is The NCUA Board Helping — Or Hurting — Credit Unions’ Soundness?
September 20, 2010
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NCUA’s 0.124% NCUSIF premium announcement follows this logic: Things are bad because we said so. Therefore, we’re taking this premium action because things are bad.
Lobbying Dos And Don’ts
November 12, 2009
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A legislative staffer outlines the right and wrong ways of working with lawmakers’ offices.
What Does The December NCUSIF Audit Mean For Credit Unions?
NCUSIF’s audited financials can help credit unions evaluate NCUA’s management of the $11 billion in cooperative system’s capital.
The Power of Transparency
Transparency allows for all to take informed action, which is why disclosure is built into the cooperative system.
Members’ Choices Aren’t So Rational
Goldilocks and Starbucks offer lessons in behavioral economics that credit unions can use to help members make decisions that are “just right."
The Darkness Spreads Over Credit Union Land: $50B Unaccounted For
There has been no public accounting for the Temporary Corporate Credit Union Stabilization Fund for nearly two years. Where are the voices calling for light?
Email Fraud’s Latest Design
Help your members combat the evolving forms of email fraud by offering them prevention tips.
What Does Your Brand Taste Like?
A South American bank gives its brand a whole new look (and feel, and smell, and sound).
Is The NCUA Board Helping — Or Hurting — Credit Unions’ Soundness?
NCUA’s 0.124% NCUSIF premium announcement follows this logic: Things are bad because we said so. Therefore, we’re taking this premium action because things are bad.
Lobbying Dos And Don’ts
A legislative staffer outlines the right and wrong ways of working with lawmakers’ offices.
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.