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 Financial Shelter For Vulnerable Homeowners
February 26, 2024
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A collaboration between Freedom First FCU and a local nonprofit is helping consumers ensure they can afford to buy a home and stay there for the long haul.
Where Are CDFI Designations Most Prevalent?
February 26, 2024
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A look at how CDFI credit unions stack up in performance as well as geography.
Member Stories. Meaningful Connections.
February 19, 2024
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How the staff at a Twin Cities credit union works together to find, record, and share compelling tales of making a difference.
When Members Talk, Listen
February 19, 2024
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Members’ stories aren’t just proof credit unions fill a vital need for consumers — they’re also an opportunity for innovation.
Finding The Gaps In Financial Inclusion
February 12, 2024
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Differences in how men and women view financial inclusion contribute to a drop in global ranking for the United States.
A Big-Picture Approach To Financial Inclusion
February 12, 2024
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A billboard contest from Financial Plus Credit Union has been a boon for BIPOC businesses owners in Michigan.
What’s In A Name: Director Of Financial Inclusion And Community Engagement
February 12, 2024
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Steph Harrill Kyle helps UW Credit Union take a holistic approach to doing business by the cooperative principles.
There’s More Than 1 Way To Make A Mortgage
February 12, 2024
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An inclusive approach to home loans at Honor Credit Union helps the cooperative confront inequality across Michigan.
Kim Alexander On Leadership
January 29, 2024
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This “recovering CFO” is embracing her new role of chief strategy and growth officer to help Blue FCU build on its blueprint for 2030.
4 Pillars For 2024
January 22, 2024
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Callahan is helping leaders make the most of their time with stories meant to inspire creative, different thinking.
A Financial Shelter For Vulnerable Homeowners
A collaboration between Freedom First FCU and a local nonprofit is helping consumers ensure they can afford to buy a home and stay there for ...
Where Are CDFI Designations Most Prevalent?
A look at how CDFI credit unions stack up in performance as well as geography.
Member Stories. Meaningful Connections.
How the staff at a Twin Cities credit union works together to find, record, and share compelling tales of making a difference.
Finding The Gaps In Financial Inclusion
Differences in how men and women view financial inclusion contribute to a drop in global ranking for the United States.
A Big-Picture Approach To Financial Inclusion
A billboard contest from Financial Plus Credit Union has been a boon for BIPOC businesses owners in Michigan.
What’s In A Name: Director Of Financial Inclusion And Community Engagement
Steph Harrill Kyle helps UW Credit Union take a holistic approach to doing business by the cooperative principles.
There’s More Than 1 Way To Make A Mortgage
An inclusive approach to home loans at Honor Credit Union helps the cooperative confront inequality across Michigan.
Kim Alexander On Leadership
This “recovering CFO” is embracing her new role of chief strategy and growth officer to help Blue FCU build on its blueprint for 2030.
4 Pillars For 2024
Callahan is helping leaders make the most of their time with stories meant to inspire creative, different thinking.
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.
When Members Talk, Listen