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.
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.
A Family Resource Center Gives Its Wyoming Community A ‘Boost’
January 13, 2025
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The Boost Center by Blue combines the work of local non-profits and Blue FCU to promote health, wealth, and happiness.
Credit Unions Step Up As Tax Time Heroes
January 13, 2025
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Tax season is just around the corner, and two low-income credit unions are gearing up their tax-preparation services.
3 Reasons Saving Money Is Difficult For Low-Income Americans
January 5, 2025
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Credit unions offer products and services to meet the distinct needs of low-income Americans; unfortunately, many people who need this assistance the most simply can’t or won’t access it.
At One Tennessee Credit Union, A Little Saving Goes A Long Way
January 5, 2025
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Set It & Forget It offers a low-barrier entrance to high-yield savings, helping members improve their savings habits.
Credit Unions Can Support Americans’ No. 1 New Year’s Resolution
January 1, 2025
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Consumers desperately want to save money, but an overwhelming majority say one or more obstacles stand in their way.
Best Of 2024: Driving Employee Engagement
December 23, 2024
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Employee engagement was a top credit union priority in 2024, as the industry worked to tackle challenges like mental health, financial wellness, change management, and more.
CDFI Grants Help Members. They Help Credit Unions, Too.
December 9, 2024
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Leaders share how grant funding has supported members on the fringes of financial ruin while underpinning credit union growth.
How Well Do You Know CDFIs? Test Your Community Impact IQ.
December 9, 2024
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CDFIs offer loans, investments, and financial education to individuals and businesses that might not have access to traditional banking services. Learn more about these financial first responders.
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.
A Family Resource Center Gives Its Wyoming Community A ‘Boost’
The Boost Center by Blue combines the work of local non-profits and Blue FCU to promote health, wealth, and happiness.
Credit Unions Step Up As Tax Time Heroes
Tax season is just around the corner, and two low-income credit unions are gearing up their tax-preparation services.
3 Reasons Saving Money Is Difficult For Low-Income Americans
Credit unions offer products and services to meet the distinct needs of low-income Americans; unfortunately, many people who need this assistance the most simply can’t ...
At One Tennessee Credit Union, A Little Saving Goes A Long Way
Set It & Forget It offers a low-barrier entrance to high-yield savings, helping members improve their savings habits.
Credit Unions Can Support Americans’ No. 1 New Year’s Resolution
Consumers desperately want to save money, but an overwhelming majority say one or more obstacles stand in their way.
Best Of 2024: Driving Employee Engagement
Employee engagement was a top credit union priority in 2024, as the industry worked to tackle challenges like mental health, financial wellness, change management, and ...
CDFI Grants Help Members. They Help Credit Unions, Too.
Leaders share how grant funding has supported members on the fringes of financial ruin while underpinning credit union growth.
How Well Do You Know CDFIs? Test Your Community Impact IQ.
CDFIs offer loans, investments, and financial education to individuals and businesses that might not have access to traditional banking services. Learn more about these financial ...
Browse Topics
AI Adoption Is Growing. Are Credit Unions Keeping Pace?
Andrew Lepczyk
New data from Gallup shows half of all employees who work for companies that pay for AI tools use them. Credit unions are building their own momentum.
A Credit Union Bond Beyond Bloodlines
Aaron Passman
For Mike and Dave Valentine, the family business just happens to be credit unions. The father-son duo talk leadership styles, cooperative values, and the lessons they’ve learned from each other along the way.
Connection And Caring Matter As Much As Knowledge And Resources
Chris Howard
People who are truly financially thriving have both means and a sense of security that comes from confidence about the future. Building that kind of emotional engagement requires a deliberate design of everyday interactions.
Markets Flip From Pricing Cuts To 50% Chance Of Hikes
Jason Haley
Look beyond the headlines to better understand what is driving current market trends and how they could impact credit union investment portfolios.
Keep The Mortgage. Ditch The Fees.
Savana Morie
A rethink of closing costs, rate relief, and employer partnerships helped 7 17 Credit Union build an affordable housing mortgage program that works.
Home Is Where The Heart (And More) Is
Aaron Passman
Where is mortgage growth coming from right now? This week, CreditUnions.com covers a mix of home equity campaigns, targeted affordability programs, and niche lending strategies that are bringing borrowers back into the market.
3 Ways To Market For HELOC Success
Aaron Passman
Home equity lending is a winning option for credit unions in today’s mortgage environment. Learn how three different shops meet members’ needs.
Small House, Big Opportunity: 2 Takes On Manufactured Home Loans
Aaron Passman
Manufactured home loans can provide members access to affordable housing, including those in rural areas. Two credit unions share how they approach the niche product.
Mortgage Lending Is Back, But It Looks Different
Tony Waltrich
After a prolonged slowdown, signs of life are returning to mortgage lending. Growth is uneven, with first-time buyers and shifting rate dynamics driving activity in select segments.
MSUFCU Turns A Break In Payments Into A Member Experience Moment
Aaron Passman
The Michigan cooperative keeps everyday payments working and members happy by using a common friction point to build brand loyalty.