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.
Any NCUA Board Appointment Is An Opportunity
March 19, 2012
No Comments
Credit unions should seek to ensure that the appointment process restores confidence in the political process.
There’s No Such Thing As A Free Lunch
March 12, 2012
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An article in the Los Angeles Times provides a cautionary lesson for credit unions.
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
No Comments
A legislative staffer outlines the right and wrong ways of working with lawmakers’ offices.
Any NCUA Board Appointment Is An Opportunity
Credit unions should seek to ensure that the appointment process restores confidence in the political process.
There’s No Such Thing As A Free Lunch
An article in the Los Angeles Times provides a cautionary lesson for credit unions.
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 Are Good. The Moment Is Hard.
William Hunt
Members are anxious about their financial futures, even as credit unions remain financially strong. Institutions that respond to this moment can make 2026 a turning point.
Wages Are Growing. Wallets Are Not.
Sherry Virden
Global events are flowing directly into household budgets, reshaping how credit union members save, borrow, and cope. Such trends don’t always show up in headline data.
Credit Unions Are Having A Margin Moment
Tony Waltrich
Credit unions are benefiting from a rare margin advantage as loans reprice slower than deposits. The question now is how institutions will use that strength to better serve members.
5 Takeaways From First Quarter Credit Union Performance Data
William Hunt
Inflation, war, and uncertain futures have reshaped members’ needs in 2026. What does credit union performance data from the first quarter of 2026 say about household budgets, inflation pressures, and more?
New Highs For Equity Markets Despite Iran And Oil Prices
Jason Haley
Look beyond the headlines to better understand what is driving current market trends and how they could impact credit union investment portfolios.
New Graduates Face A Cautious Job-Hiring Landscape
Tony Waltrich
Today’s job market is shaped by skills based expectations, with employers slowing entry level hiring and placing greater emphasis on applied experience.
A Credit Union Journey Into Cryptocurrency And Stablecoins
Savana Morie
St. Cloud Financial is betting on digital assets to protect member relationships and future relevance. It’s picked up lessons for other leaders along the way.
Balancing Growth And Risk In Uncertain Lending Environments
Callahan & Associates
Traditional risk tools alone aren’t enough. Portfolio protection must evolve to meet members within the lending experience itself.
The Line Between Growth And Impact Was Blurry. Wright-Patt Decided To Redraw It.
Savana Morie
The Ohio cooperative is refining the role of its foundation to clarify what belongs within the credit union and what belongs under its charitable arm, strengthening focus and long term strategy for both.
Smarter Scheduling Delivers Faster Service And Lower Costs For 4Front Credit Union
Callahan & Associates
The credit union migrated its on-premises contact center and implemented workforce management software to maximize efficiency, minimize costs, and provide a better member experience.