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.
United Nations FCU’s Lessons From Global Philanthropy
July 21, 2024
No Comments
The United Nations FCU Foundation helps the New York-based credit union make an impact on multiple continents.
Understanding NCUA’s 2023 Grant Funding
July 15, 2024
No Comments
The regulator’s Community Development Revolving Loan Fund distributed $3.8 million in grant funding last year, benefitting more than 140 credit unions.
GreenState Foundation Invests In Data To Improve Its Community
July 1, 2024
No Comments
A partnership with United Ways of Iowa is uncovering insights about employed community members who struggle under limited assets and constrained income.
Community Financial Flips The Script On Junk Fees
June 24, 2024
No Comments
The Michigan credit union has dropped punitive overdraft fees in favor of a checking account feature that helps members save money when their spending outstrips their budget.
Is Growth The Goal Or The Result?
June 17, 2024
No Comments
Credit unions that want to remain relevant might need to rethink how they approach the “G” word.
Innovative Card Solutions Enhance Member Engagement And Deliver Exceptional Value
June 10, 2024
No Comments
A Q&A with the credit card manufacturing company reveals skills and best practices that set it apart.
TDECU Raises The Game On NIL
May 20, 2024
No Comments
A new partnership gives the Texas-based credit union a broader reach for name, image, and licensing deals, providing access to some 600 university athletes.
Like, Share, Comment: How Social Influencers Are Helping SF Fire Build Its Brand
May 20, 2024
No Comments
SF Fire reaches younger consumers through trusted local social media personalities.
True Sky’s Blueprint For Internal And External Change Management
May 13, 2024
No Comments
The Oklahoma credit union is deploying new tools that change the game for its staff and its mission-based membership strategies.
All Things CDFI: Recertification, Grants and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Awards
May 6, 2024
No Comments
Watch CU Strategic Planning’s experts discuss: Recertification – what needs to be done NOW to retain your certification and how CU Strategic Planning can help you with 2023 and 2024 data. The new certification standards – how to work with them to benefit your credit union, and how the new reg impacts current CDFI awards. Greenhouse
United Nations FCU’s Lessons From Global Philanthropy
The United Nations FCU Foundation helps the New York-based credit union make an impact on multiple continents.
Understanding NCUA’s 2023 Grant Funding
The regulator’s Community Development Revolving Loan Fund distributed $3.8 million in grant funding last year, benefitting more than 140 credit unions.
GreenState Foundation Invests In Data To Improve Its Community
A partnership with United Ways of Iowa is uncovering insights about employed community members who struggle under limited assets and constrained income.
Community Financial Flips The Script On Junk Fees
The Michigan credit union has dropped punitive overdraft fees in favor of a checking account feature that helps members save money when their spending outstrips ...
Innovative Card Solutions Enhance Member Engagement And Deliver Exceptional Value
A Q&A with the credit card manufacturing company reveals skills and best practices that set it apart.
TDECU Raises The Game On NIL
A new partnership gives the Texas-based credit union a broader reach for name, image, and licensing deals, providing access to some 600 university athletes.
Like, Share, Comment: How Social Influencers Are Helping SF Fire Build Its Brand
SF Fire reaches younger consumers through trusted local social media personalities.
True Sky’s Blueprint For Internal And External Change Management
The Oklahoma credit union is deploying new tools that change the game for its staff and its mission-based membership strategies.
All Things CDFI: Recertification, Grants and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Awards
Watch CU Strategic Planning’s experts discuss: Recertification – what needs to be done NOW to retain your certification and how CU Strategic Planning can help you ...
Browse Topics
Fintech Grounded In Mission As Much As Market Opportunity
Marc Rapport
Suncoast Credit Union balances near-term needs with longer-term bets, applying discipline to timing, valuation, and fit to decide when to invest and when to walk away.
Industry Intelligence For Credit Union Leaders
Callahan & Associates
Looking for quarterly data coverage, expert analysis, lessons from leading credit unions, and more? Callahan has it covered. Comparing top-level performance and digging into the details has never been easier.
Cost Pressures Are Changing Member Behavior
Savana Morie
First quarter data shows how rising costs are pushing consumers toward flexibility and reshaping borrowing and saving habits.
WSECU Invests In Innovation To Solve Pain Points
Marc Rapport
A dedicated CUSO holding company allows WSECU to move beyond building and back fintech partners it helps shape and scale.
When Employees Own Culture, Service Follows
Savana Morie
Advancial FCU links internal service standards, employee feedback, and peer recognition to create a more consistent experience for both staff and members.
How MSUFCU Builds And Backs Fintech Solutions
Marc Rapport
MSUFCU takes a hands-on approach to fintech, piloting solutions through its in-house lab before scaling and backing them through a wholly owned CUSO.
Members Demand Digital, But They Want Branches, Too
Savana Morie
Affinity Plus FCU has a clear member service mantra: digital for daily, human when it’s hard. Its CEO and CFO share what that looks like in practice.
How A Holding Company Helps Service Credit Union Win At Fintech
Marc Rapport
The New Hampshire cooperative shares how its fintech arm, Service Ventures, evaluates investments, balances risk, and defines success.
Future Bets From Today’s Credit Unions
Marc Rapport
Industry leaders share how they approach fintech investment, balancing immediate needs with longer-term bets while keeping member value and mission at the center.
AI Adoption Is Growing. Are Credit Unions Keeping Pace?
Andrew Lepczyk
New data from Gallup shows half of all employees who work for companies that pay for AI tools use them. Credit unions are building their own momentum.
Is Growth The Goal Or The Result?