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
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.
A Credit Union Bond Beyond Bloodlines
Aaron Passman
For Mike and Dave Valentine, the family business just happens to be credit unions. The father-son duo talk leadership styles, cooperative values, and the lessons they’ve learned from each other along the way.
Connection And Caring Matter As Much As Knowledge And Resources
Chris Howard
People who are truly financially thriving have both means and a sense of security that comes from confidence about the future. Building that kind of emotional engagement requires a deliberate design of everyday interactions.
Markets Flip From Pricing Cuts To 50% Chance Of Hikes
Jason Haley
Look beyond the headlines to better understand what is driving current market trends and how they could impact credit union investment portfolios.
Keep The Mortgage. Ditch The Fees.
Savana Morie
A rethink of closing costs, rate relief, and employer partnerships helped 7 17 Credit Union build an affordable housing mortgage program that works.
Home Is Where The Heart (And More) Is
Aaron Passman
Where is mortgage growth coming from right now? This week, CreditUnions.com covers a mix of home equity campaigns, targeted affordability programs, and niche lending strategies that are bringing borrowers back into the market.
3 Ways To Market For HELOC Success
Aaron Passman
Home equity lending is a winning option for credit unions in today’s mortgage environment. Learn how three different shops meet members’ needs.
Small House, Big Opportunity: 2 Takes On Manufactured Home Loans
Aaron Passman
Manufactured home loans can provide members access to affordable housing, including those in rural areas. Two credit unions share how they approach the niche product.
Mortgage Lending Is Back, But It Looks Different
Tony Waltrich
After a prolonged slowdown, signs of life are returning to mortgage lending. Growth is uneven, with first-time buyers and shifting rate dynamics driving activity in select segments.
MSUFCU Turns A Break In Payments Into A Member Experience Moment
Aaron Passman
The Michigan cooperative keeps everyday payments working and members happy by using a common friction point to build brand loyalty.
When Members Talk, Listen