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.
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.
What’s In A Name: Director Of Multicultural Strategy
January 22, 2024
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Daniel Garcia works across his credit union — and his community — to ensure True Sky FCU has the products, services, and relationships it needs to serve all members in its diverse market.
What Can ALICE Do For You?
January 22, 2024
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Community financial institutions need an accurate understanding of financial hardships and local needs to develop effective solutions.
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.
What’s In A Name: Director Of Multicultural Strategy
Daniel Garcia works across his credit union — and his community — to ensure True Sky FCU has the products, services, and relationships it ...
What Can ALICE Do For You?
Community financial institutions need an accurate understanding of financial hardships and local needs to develop effective solutions.
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.
When Members Talk, Listen