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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
Browse Topics
Fintech Grounded In Mission As Much As Market Opportunity
Marc Rapport
Suncoast Credit Union balances near-term needs with longer-term bets, applying discipline to timing, valuation, and fit to decide when to invest and when to walk away.
Industry Intelligence For Credit Union Leaders
Callahan & Associates
Looking for quarterly data coverage, expert analysis, lessons from leading credit unions, and more? Callahan has it covered. Comparing top-level performance and digging into the details has never been easier.
Cost Pressures Are Changing Member Behavior
Savana Morie
First quarter data shows how rising costs are pushing consumers toward flexibility and reshaping borrowing and saving habits.
WSECU Invests In Innovation To Solve Pain Points
Marc Rapport
A dedicated CUSO holding company allows WSECU to move beyond building and back fintech partners it helps shape and scale.
When Employees Own Culture, Service Follows
Savana Morie
Advancial FCU links internal service standards, employee feedback, and peer recognition to create a more consistent experience for both staff and members.
How MSUFCU Builds And Backs Fintech Solutions
Marc Rapport
MSUFCU takes a hands-on approach to fintech, piloting solutions through its in-house lab before scaling and backing them through a wholly owned CUSO.
Members Demand Digital, But They Want Branches, Too
Savana Morie
Affinity Plus FCU has a clear member service mantra: digital for daily, human when it’s hard. Its CEO and CFO share what that looks like in practice.
How A Holding Company Helps Service Credit Union Win At Fintech
Marc Rapport
The New Hampshire cooperative shares how its fintech arm, Service Ventures, evaluates investments, balances risk, and defines success.
Future Bets From Today’s Credit Unions
Marc Rapport
Industry leaders share how they approach fintech investment, balancing immediate needs with longer-term bets while keeping member value and mission at the center.
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.