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 Big-Picture Approach To Financial Inclusion
February 12, 2024
No Comments
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
No Comments
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
No Comments
An inclusive approach to home loans at Honor Credit Union helps the cooperative confront inequality across Michigan.
Kim Alexander On Leadership
January 29, 2024
No Comments
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
No Comments
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
No Comments
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
No Comments
Community financial institutions need an accurate understanding of financial hardships and local needs to develop effective solutions.
How True Sky FCU Turbo Charges Employee Success
January 15, 2024
No Comments
An employee communications team and formal pathways to individual development help True Sky FCU engage its workforce and encourage employees to aim high.
Jimmy Lovelace On Leadership
January 15, 2024
No Comments
The chief experience officer helps Community First realize the benefits of humanizing the sales and service processes.
By The Numbers: LICU, CDFI & Juntos Avanzamos
January 8, 2024
No Comments
Credit unions undertake all manner of certifications to improve their communities. Here’s how three of the most popular intersect.
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.
How True Sky FCU Turbo Charges Employee Success
An employee communications team and formal pathways to individual development help True Sky FCU engage its workforce and encourage employees to aim high.
Jimmy Lovelace On Leadership
The chief experience officer helps Community First realize the benefits of humanizing the sales and service processes.
By The Numbers: LICU, CDFI & Juntos Avanzamos
Credit unions undertake all manner of certifications to improve their communities. Here's how three of the most popular intersect.
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.