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.
Physical Branch, Digital Service
November 3, 2024
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Affinity Plus builds member engagement by focusing equally on a modern brick-and-mortar network plus the latest technologies for members and staff alike.
Why Do Banking Deserts Exist? How Can Credit Unions Fix Them?
November 3, 2024
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Understanding what constitutes a banking desert can help credit unions determine branching and outreach strategies for underserved communities.
How Well Do You Know U.S. Consumer Sentiment?
October 28, 2024
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Take this short quiz to test your knowledge of Americans’ economic opinions, habits, and more.
Empathy Is A Credit Union’s Secret Weapon
October 27, 2024
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A mix of quality people and customizable services help members through economic uncertainty.
7 Ways To Gain A Wider Reach With A Narrow Field Of Membership
October 14, 2024
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Niche credit unions don’t let eligibility requirements hinder innovation or growth.
Are Community Charters The Key To Relevancy?
October 14, 2024
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Two credit unions from Nebraska and Michigan have adapted their membership models to serve a broader, more diverse base.
How To Help Gen Z Combat The ‘Vibecession’
September 30, 2024
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The economy feels pretty bleak to young consumers, with homeownership seeming permanently out of reach. Some credit unions are taking steps to combat that pessimism.
Transcend’s Teen Account Banks On The Future
September 30, 2024
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A mix of account features, parental involvement, and financial education are all helping the Kentucky cooperative narrow its generation gap.
What’s In A Name: Member Care Specialist
September 30, 2024
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Jay Hall’s role at Fortera Federal Credit Union helps families properly settle accounts after a member has passed away.
Redwood Credit Union Serves Up More Than Financial Services
September 23, 2024
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The California cooperative has partnered with a catering company to open a café in its two headquarters buildings, offering fresh, affordable food to the public.
Physical Branch, Digital Service
Affinity Plus builds member engagement by focusing equally on a modern brick-and-mortar network plus the latest technologies for members and staff alike.
Why Do Banking Deserts Exist? How Can Credit Unions Fix Them?
Understanding what constitutes a banking desert can help credit unions determine branching and outreach strategies for underserved communities.
How Well Do You Know U.S. Consumer Sentiment?
Take this short quiz to test your knowledge of Americans’ economic opinions, habits, and more.
Empathy Is A Credit Union’s Secret Weapon
A mix of quality people and customizable services help members through economic uncertainty.
7 Ways To Gain A Wider Reach With A Narrow Field Of Membership
Niche credit unions don’t let eligibility requirements hinder innovation or growth.
Are Community Charters The Key To Relevancy?
Two credit unions from Nebraska and Michigan have adapted their membership models to serve a broader, more diverse base.
How To Help Gen Z Combat The ‘Vibecession’
The economy feels pretty bleak to young consumers, with homeownership seeming permanently out of reach. Some credit unions are taking steps to combat that pessimism.
Transcend’s Teen Account Banks On The Future
A mix of account features, parental involvement, and financial education are all helping the Kentucky cooperative narrow its generation gap.
What’s In A Name: Member Care Specialist
Jay Hall’s role at Fortera Federal Credit Union helps families properly settle accounts after a member has passed away.
Redwood Credit Union Serves Up More Than Financial Services
The California cooperative has partnered with a catering company to open a café in its two headquarters buildings, offering fresh, affordable food to the public.
Browse Topics
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.
Insights From The Outside: Don Rositano
Marc Rapport
How a former Sam’s Club finance leader adapted his member-first mindset to a not-for-profit credit union.
What’s In A Name: Vice President Of History And Culture
Aaron Passman
How a novel role instills SchoolsFirst FCU’s future leaders with an appreciation for its past.
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.