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.
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.
All Things CDFI In 2025
February 6, 2025
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Stay up-to-date with the latest changes, opportunities, and compliance requirements for CDFIs, including certification, grants, and legislative updates for 2025 and beyond.
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.
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 ...
All Things CDFI In 2025
Stay up-to-date with the latest changes, opportunities, and compliance requirements for CDFIs, including certification, grants, and legislative updates for 2025 and beyond.
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
Growth Is A Mindset, But Success Is In The Contract
Callahan & Associates
Arriba Advisors co-founder Tom Russell explores how credit unions can bridge the gap between a growth mindset and their technical reality.
Fraud Is Faster, Smarter, And Harder To Stop. Here’s How To.
Callahan & Associates
RKL offers insight, expertise, and experience to help fight off growing threats.
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.
Where Have All The Members Gone?
Omar Shalabi
Membership growth is slowing, but financial activity is not. What does the modern financial relationship look like?
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.