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
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.
Consumers Are Financing The Future Any Way They Can
Aaron Passman
Recent studies show credit card debt and Buy Now, Pay Later usage continue to rise. Bigger increases could be around the corner.
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.
When Members Talk, Listen