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 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.
CDFI Certification Powers Up Community Impact In Florida And Beyond
December 9, 2024
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As the nation’s largest community development credit union, Suncoast is a force for development, collaboration, and innovation.
The Benefits Of Advisory Boards Go Beyond Accountability
December 9, 2024
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From focus groups to influencer marketing, two credit unions share why advisory boards are a valuable tool for any credit union.
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 ...
CDFI Certification Powers Up Community Impact In Florida And Beyond
As the nation’s largest community development credit union, Suncoast is a force for development, collaboration, and innovation.
The Benefits Of Advisory Boards Go Beyond Accountability
From focus groups to influencer marketing, two credit unions share why advisory boards are a valuable tool for any credit union.
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.