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.
Anthony Hernandez On Leadership
November 11, 2024
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The president and CEO of the Defense Credit Union Council discusses similarities between the military and credit unions, the benefits of the “OODA loop,” and more.
Physical Branch, Digital Service
November 3, 2024
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Affinity Plus builds member engagement by focusing equally on a modern brick-and-mortar network plus the latest technologies for members and staff alike.
Empathy Is A Credit Union’s Secret Weapon
October 27, 2024
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A mix of quality people and customizable services help members through economic uncertainty.
7 Ways To Gain A Wider Reach With A Narrow Field Of Membership
October 14, 2024
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Niche credit unions don’t let eligibility requirements hinder innovation or growth.
Are Community Charters The Key To Relevancy?
October 14, 2024
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Two credit unions from Nebraska and Michigan have adapted their membership models to serve a broader, more diverse base.
How To Help Gen Z Combat The ‘Vibecession’
September 30, 2024
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The economy feels pretty bleak to young consumers, with homeownership seeming permanently out of reach. Some credit unions are taking steps to combat that pessimism.
What’s In A Name: Member Care Specialist
September 30, 2024
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Jay Hall’s role at Fortera Federal Credit Union helps families properly settle accounts after a member has passed away.
Redwood Credit Union Serves Up More Than Financial Services
September 23, 2024
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The California cooperative has partnered with a catering company to open a café in its two headquarters buildings, offering fresh, affordable food to the public.
UFCU’s Mobile Branch Drives Financial Sense In Underserved Communities
September 23, 2024
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The Texas credit union is extending financial services and resources to geographical areas with limited or no banking presence.
Buy Now, Pay Later: Fad Or The Future?
September 9, 2024
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BNPL programs have become a key player in the financial landscape, with some credit unions adopting their own version for their members.
Anthony Hernandez On Leadership
The president and CEO of the Defense Credit Union Council discusses similarities between the military and credit unions, the benefits of the “OODA loop,” and ...
Physical Branch, Digital Service
Affinity Plus builds member engagement by focusing equally on a modern brick-and-mortar network plus the latest technologies for members and staff alike.
Empathy Is A Credit Union’s Secret Weapon
A mix of quality people and customizable services help members through economic uncertainty.
7 Ways To Gain A Wider Reach With A Narrow Field Of Membership
Niche credit unions don’t let eligibility requirements hinder innovation or growth.
Are Community Charters The Key To Relevancy?
Two credit unions from Nebraska and Michigan have adapted their membership models to serve a broader, more diverse base.
How To Help Gen Z Combat The ‘Vibecession’
The economy feels pretty bleak to young consumers, with homeownership seeming permanently out of reach. Some credit unions are taking steps to combat that pessimism.
What’s In A Name: Member Care Specialist
Jay Hall’s role at Fortera Federal Credit Union helps families properly settle accounts after a member has passed away.
Redwood Credit Union Serves Up More Than Financial Services
The California cooperative has partnered with a catering company to open a café in its two headquarters buildings, offering fresh, affordable food to the public.
UFCU’s Mobile Branch Drives Financial Sense In Underserved Communities
The Texas credit union is extending financial services and resources to geographical areas with limited or no banking presence.
Buy Now, Pay Later: Fad Or The Future?
BNPL programs have become a key player in the financial landscape, with some credit unions adopting their own version for their members.
Browse Topics
Why Financial Empowerment Matters More Than Financial Literacy
Savana Morie
Alltru FCU stopped treating education as the end goal. Now, financial empowerment guides product design, access, and risk decisions.
42% Of U.S. Households Experience Financial Hardship
Tony Waltrich
More than 50 million U.S. households earn less than the minimum average income needed to cover basic costs of living.
Excite Foundation Breaks Down Barriers For Children’s Savings
Savana Morie
Automatic enrollment and community partnerships help the credit union foundation expand access to early savings for underserved families.
Consumers Are Financing The Future Any Way They Can
Aaron Passman
Recent studies show credit card debt and Buy Now, Pay Later usage continue to rise. Bigger increases could be around the corner.
Credit Human Redefines ‘Green’ In The Heart Of Texas
Savana Morie
The credit union completed a three acre headquarters campus in 2021 that offers 52% more space while consuming a fraction of the resources. It’s a model of how cooperatives can lead on sustainability without sacrificing performance.
CDFIs By The Numbers
Omar Shalabi
CDFI credit unions might be fewer in number, but their impact reaches millions of members, and their footprint highlights how targeted mission can translate into broad, measurable reach.
Serving The Underserved Without Accepting Preventable Fraud Losses
Callahan & Associates
Preventable fraud losses quietly erode credit union margins. The difference between a 25% and 6% loss rate isn’t risk. It’s execution.
Inside An In-School Model That Links Classrooms With College And Careers
Savana Morie
Holy Rosary Credit Union has embedded itself into a local high school’s career and technical education program, offering scholarships, internships, and courses eligible for college credit.
6 Credit Union Executive Priorities For 2026
Jay Johnson
Credit union leaders want to know where peers are placing their focus. These six priorities reflect how leadership teams are responding to change with intention and clarity.
What’s Next For Credit Union Earnings?
Omar Shalabi
As margin support begins to fade, earnings performance is becoming more sensitive to revenue mix and harder to interpret through public reporting alone.