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.
Green Lending: What Is Your ‘Why?’
April 22, 2024
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There are different motivations for delving into green lending, but five in particular apply to the strategic focus of credit unions.
Opportunities Abound For Veterans At A Kentucky Credit Union
April 15, 2024
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A program at Abound Credit Union has helped hundreds of would-be small business owners since its launch eight years ago.
The Power Of Business Lending And Services
April 15, 2024
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Two credit unions — one large, one smaller — offer insight from their experience serving the business community.
5 Valuable Governance Guidelines To Adopt Today
March 25, 2024
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Constructive action and positive impact are the product of a board engaged in servant leadership — the true calling of a Class A board.
A Board Full Of Bosses: CEOs Turn Challenges Into Opportunity
March 25, 2024
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From tweaking communication strategies to embracing diverse perspectives, here’s how three leaders are adjusting to new roles.
A Patchwork Path To Equity And Justice For All
March 18, 2024
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An array of experiences and professional development opportunities, combined with drive and passion, has positioned James Hunter for success in the field of DEI.
Kiona Bell On Leadership
March 18, 2024
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Being in charge of digital delivery and member experience at Credit Union West means knowing how to lead with head and heart.
3 Takeaways From Day 2 Of GAC 2024
March 6, 2024
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The curse of cable TV, servant leadership, and more concerns around AI were among the major topics as the annual event continued.
3 Takeaways From Day 1 Of GAC 2024
March 5, 2024
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The fate of fee income, AI, and consolidation (of a sort) were top of mind on Monday.
First Tech Cultivates Hope (And Savings) For Foster Youth
February 26, 2024
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A partnership between the credit union and a community nonprofit provides financial resources for at-risk kids during formative years.
Opportunities Abound For Veterans At A Kentucky Credit Union
A program at Abound Credit Union has helped hundreds of would-be small business owners since its launch eight years ago.
The Power Of Business Lending And Services
Two credit unions — one large, one smaller — offer insight from their experience serving the business community.
5 Valuable Governance Guidelines To Adopt Today
Constructive action and positive impact are the product of a board engaged in servant leadership — the true calling of a Class A board.
A Board Full Of Bosses: CEOs Turn Challenges Into Opportunity
From tweaking communication strategies to embracing diverse perspectives, here’s how three leaders are adjusting to new roles.
A Patchwork Path To Equity And Justice For All
An array of experiences and professional development opportunities, combined with drive and passion, has positioned James Hunter for success in the field of DEI.
Kiona Bell On Leadership
Being in charge of digital delivery and member experience at Credit Union West means knowing how to lead with head and heart.
3 Takeaways From Day 2 Of GAC 2024
The curse of cable TV, servant leadership, and more concerns around AI were among the major topics as the annual event continued.
3 Takeaways From Day 1 Of GAC 2024
The fate of fee income, AI, and consolidation (of a sort) were top of mind on Monday.
First Tech Cultivates Hope (And Savings) For Foster Youth
A partnership between the credit union and a community nonprofit provides financial resources for at-risk kids during formative years.
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.
Green Lending: What Is Your ‘Why?’