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.
Green Lending: What Is Your ‘Why?’
April 22, 2024
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There are different motivations for delving into green lending, but five in particular apply to the strategic focus of credit unions.
Opportunities Abound For Veterans At A Kentucky Credit Union
April 15, 2024
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A program at Abound Credit Union has helped hundreds of would-be small business owners since its launch eight years ago.
The Power Of Business Lending And Services
April 15, 2024
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Two credit unions — one large, one smaller — offer insight from their experience serving the business community.
5 Valuable Governance Guidelines To Adopt Today
March 25, 2024
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Constructive action and positive impact are the product of a board engaged in servant leadership — the true calling of a Class A board.
A Board Full Of Bosses: CEOs Turn Challenges Into Opportunity
March 25, 2024
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From tweaking communication strategies to embracing diverse perspectives, here’s how three leaders are adjusting to new roles.
A Patchwork Path To Equity And Justice For All
March 18, 2024
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An array of experiences and professional development opportunities, combined with drive and passion, has positioned James Hunter for success in the field of DEI.
Kiona Bell On Leadership
March 18, 2024
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Being in charge of digital delivery and member experience at Credit Union West means knowing how to lead with head and heart.
3 Takeaways From Day 2 Of GAC 2024
March 6, 2024
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The curse of cable TV, servant leadership, and more concerns around AI were among the major topics as the annual event continued.
3 Takeaways From Day 1 Of GAC 2024
March 5, 2024
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The fate of fee income, AI, and consolidation (of a sort) were top of mind on Monday.
First Tech Cultivates Hope (And Savings) For Foster Youth
February 26, 2024
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A partnership between the credit union and a community nonprofit provides financial resources for at-risk kids during formative years.
Opportunities Abound For Veterans At A Kentucky Credit Union
A program at Abound Credit Union has helped hundreds of would-be small business owners since its launch eight years ago.
The Power Of Business Lending And Services
Two credit unions — one large, one smaller — offer insight from their experience serving the business community.
5 Valuable Governance Guidelines To Adopt Today
Constructive action and positive impact are the product of a board engaged in servant leadership — the true calling of a Class A board.
A Board Full Of Bosses: CEOs Turn Challenges Into Opportunity
From tweaking communication strategies to embracing diverse perspectives, here’s how three leaders are adjusting to new roles.
A Patchwork Path To Equity And Justice For All
An array of experiences and professional development opportunities, combined with drive and passion, has positioned James Hunter for success in the field of DEI.
Kiona Bell On Leadership
Being in charge of digital delivery and member experience at Credit Union West means knowing how to lead with head and heart.
3 Takeaways From Day 2 Of GAC 2024
The curse of cable TV, servant leadership, and more concerns around AI were among the major topics as the annual event continued.
3 Takeaways From Day 1 Of GAC 2024
The fate of fee income, AI, and consolidation (of a sort) were top of mind on Monday.
First Tech Cultivates Hope (And Savings) For Foster Youth
A partnership between the credit union and a community nonprofit provides financial resources for at-risk kids during formative years.
Browse Topics
Why Financial Empowerment Matters More Than Financial Literacy
Savana Morie
Alltru FCU stopped treating education as the end goal. Now, financial empowerment guides product design, access, and risk decisions.
42% Of U.S. Households Experience Financial Hardship
Tony Waltrich
More than 50 million U.S. households earn less than the minimum average income needed to cover basic costs of living.
Excite Foundation Breaks Down Barriers For Children’s Savings
Savana Morie
Automatic enrollment and community partnerships help the credit union foundation expand access to early savings for underserved families.
Credit Human Redefines ‘Green’ In The Heart Of Texas
Savana Morie
The credit union completed a three acre headquarters campus in 2021 that offers 52% more space while consuming a fraction of the resources. It’s a model of how cooperatives can lead on sustainability without sacrificing performance.
CDFIs By The Numbers
Omar Shalabi
CDFI credit unions might be fewer in number, but their impact reaches millions of members, and their footprint highlights how targeted mission can translate into broad, measurable reach.
Serving The Underserved Without Accepting Preventable Fraud Losses
Callahan & Associates
Preventable fraud losses quietly erode credit union margins. The difference between a 25% and 6% loss rate isn’t risk. It’s execution.
Inside An In-School Model That Links Classrooms With College And Careers
Savana Morie
Holy Rosary Credit Union has embedded itself into a local high school’s career and technical education program, offering scholarships, internships, and courses eligible for college credit.
6 Credit Union Executive Priorities For 2026
Jay Johnson
Credit union leaders want to know where peers are placing their focus. These six priorities reflect how leadership teams are responding to change with intention and clarity.
What’s Next For Credit Union Earnings?
Omar Shalabi
As margin support begins to fade, earnings performance is becoming more sensitive to revenue mix and harder to interpret through public reporting alone.
The Great Wealth Transfer Is Also A Relationship Transfer
Savana Morie
Harvard FCU combines digital estate planning with human financial guidance to support positive, proactive wealth transfer across generations.
Green Lending: What Is Your ‘Why?’