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.
The Power Of Business Lending And Services
April 15, 2024
No Comments
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
No Comments
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
No Comments
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
No Comments
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
No Comments
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
No Comments
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
No Comments
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
No Comments
A partnership between the credit union and a community nonprofit provides financial resources for at-risk kids during formative years.
A Financial Shelter For Vulnerable Homeowners
February 26, 2024
No Comments
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
No Comments
A look at how CDFI credit unions stack up in performance as well as geography.
The Power Of Business Lending And Services
Two credit unions — one large, one smaller — offer insight from their experience serving the business community.
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.
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.
Browse Topics
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.
The Numbers Are Good. The Moment Is Hard.
William Hunt
Members are anxious about their financial futures, even as credit unions remain financially strong. Institutions that respond to this moment can make 2026 a turning point.
Wages Are Growing. Wallets Are Not.
Sherry Virden
Global events are flowing directly into household budgets, reshaping how credit union members save, borrow, and cope. Such trends don’t always show up in headline data.
Credit Unions Are Having A Margin Moment
Tony Waltrich
Credit unions are benefiting from a rare margin advantage as loans reprice slower than deposits. The question now is how institutions will use that strength to better serve members.
Where Have All The Members Gone?
Omar Shalabi
Membership growth is slowing, but financial activity is not. What does the modern financial relationship look like?
5 Takeaways From First Quarter Credit Union Performance Data
William Hunt
Inflation, war, and uncertain futures have reshaped members’ needs in 2026. What does credit union performance data from the first quarter of 2026 say about household budgets, inflation pressures, and more?
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.
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.
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.
5 Valuable Governance Guidelines To Adopt Today