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.
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.
UFCU’s Mobile Branch Drives Financial Sense In Underserved Communities
September 23, 2024
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The Texas credit union is extending financial services and resources to geographical areas with limited or no banking presence.
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.
UFCU’s Mobile Branch Drives Financial Sense In Underserved Communities
The Texas credit union is extending financial services and resources to geographical areas with limited or no banking presence.
Browse Topics
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.
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.
Balancing Growth And Risk In Uncertain Lending Environments
Callahan & Associates
Traditional risk tools alone aren’t enough. Portfolio protection must evolve to meet members within the lending experience itself.
The Line Between Growth And Impact Was Blurry. Wright-Patt Decided To Redraw It.
Savana Morie
The Ohio cooperative is refining the role of its foundation to clarify what belongs within the credit union and what belongs under its charitable arm, strengthening focus and long term strategy for both.
Smarter Scheduling Delivers Faster Service And Lower Costs For 4Front Credit Union
Callahan & Associates
The credit union migrated its on-premises contact center and implemented workforce management software to maximize efficiency, minimize costs, and provide a better member experience.
The 84-Month Trap: How Negative Equity Is Quietly Undermining Your Auto Portfolio
Callahan & Associates
A new approach to vehicle affordability for credit unions.
2 Tactics To Increase Young Member Engagement
Aaron Passman
Youth banking programs, in-school branches, and a warm handoff to adulthood builds habits and relationships that last well beyond graduation.
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.
Don’t Wait For Data. FirstLook Analysis Is Available Today.
Callahan & Associates
Callahan & Associates provides an early look at quarterly performance results. Sneak a peek at the latest trends here.
The Merchant Services Advantage For Credit Unions
Callahan & Associates
Payment capabilities increasingly shape how business owners evaluate their primary financial institution