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.
KPIs Kick Good Will Into High Gear
September 2, 2024
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From Knoxville to Nome, credit unions are attaching hard numbers to community impact and taking their philanthropy further than ever before.
A Blueprint To Build Better Volunteers
September 2, 2024
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A three-year-old program at 3Rivers Federal Credit Union prepares team members to participate on local boards and committees.
A Guide To Measuring Credit Union Impact
September 2, 2024
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Credit unions build stronger communities every day. It’s time to share those success stories with the world.
Exit Interview: Hank Hubbard, One Detroit Credit Union
September 2, 2024
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The veteran leader and Motor City hype man looks back on a career centered on living the “people helping people” philosophy.
A New Way to Measure Impact
September 1, 2024
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To better fulfil its mission, Blue FCU has adopted a different method of measuring success that more closely examines members’ financial health.
A Path To Prosperity And Financial Wellness
August 26, 2024
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Some credit unions offer loans for trade schools and vocational programs that provide well-paying jobs without a four-year college degree.
Can Donor-Advised Funds Make Your Philanthropy Go Further?
July 21, 2024
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Although the industry is chock-full of foundations, some institutions rely on donor-advised funds as a pathway to giving back.
Fortera Fights Against Generational Poverty
July 21, 2024
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The Fortera Foundation is breaking the cycle of generational poverty by providing essential resources and financial aid to single-parent students.
United Nations FCU’s Lessons From Global Philanthropy
July 21, 2024
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The United Nations FCU Foundation helps the New York-based credit union make an impact on multiple continents.
Understanding NCUA’s 2023 Grant Funding
July 15, 2024
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The regulator’s Community Development Revolving Loan Fund distributed $3.8 million in grant funding last year, benefitting more than 140 credit unions.
KPIs Kick Good Will Into High Gear
From Knoxville to Nome, credit unions are attaching hard numbers to community impact and taking their philanthropy further than ever before.
A Blueprint To Build Better Volunteers
A three-year-old program at 3Rivers Federal Credit Union prepares team members to participate on local boards and committees.
A Guide To Measuring Credit Union Impact
Credit unions build stronger communities every day. It’s time to share those success stories with the world.
Exit Interview: Hank Hubbard, One Detroit Credit Union
The veteran leader and Motor City hype man looks back on a career centered on living the “people helping people” philosophy.
A New Way to Measure Impact
To better fulfil its mission, Blue FCU has adopted a different method of measuring success that more closely examines members’ financial health.
A Path To Prosperity And Financial Wellness
Some credit unions offer loans for trade schools and vocational programs that provide well-paying jobs without a four-year college degree.
Can Donor-Advised Funds Make Your Philanthropy Go Further?
Although the industry is chock-full of foundations, some institutions rely on donor-advised funds as a pathway to giving back.
Fortera Fights Against Generational Poverty
The Fortera Foundation is breaking the cycle of generational poverty by providing essential resources and financial aid to single-parent students.
United Nations FCU’s Lessons From Global Philanthropy
The United Nations FCU Foundation helps the New York-based credit union make an impact on multiple continents.
Understanding NCUA’s 2023 Grant Funding
The regulator’s Community Development Revolving Loan Fund distributed $3.8 million in grant funding last year, benefitting more than 140 credit unions.
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.