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 Patchwork Path To Equity And Justice For All
March 18, 2024
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 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 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.
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.
When Members Talk, Listen
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
Differences in how men and women view financial inclusion contribute to a drop in global ranking for the United States.
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.
3 Takeaways From Day 2 Of GAC 2024