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.
3 Trends At Low-Income And CDFI Credit Unions
October 30, 2023
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Designations focused on serving members of modest means can lead to vastly different financial outcomes for credit unions.
What’s In A Name: Director Of Community Homeownership Development
October 30, 2023
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WSECU creates a new role to take a holistic approach toward housing affordability in Seattle.
Back To School. Back To Work.
October 23, 2023
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A training program from Associated Credit Union clears a pathway from class to career.
Consumers Give The Economy Two Thumbs Down
October 17, 2023
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Increased pessimism — and credit card balances — present credit unions with the opportunity to help members improve their financial wellbeing.
Financial Wellbeing For Members. Financial Wellbeing For All.
October 16, 2023
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After offering financial wellbeing services to members for years, BCU recently created a CUSO and rolled out a mobile app that guides members and non-members alike through life’s financial milestones.
BCU Builds National Reach One Relationship At A Time
October 9, 2023
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The Illinois-based cooperative built its business around meeting the needs of some of Americas most admired companies. Deep relationships, diverse products, and a focus on financial wellbeing have helped BCU grow into one of the nation’s largest credit unions.
3 Key Questions For Strategic Planning
October 4, 2023
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As the industry heads to the close of a turbulent year, a few core questions can guide discussions around how to better serve members and communities.
Credit Unions Are Stepping Up Aid Offerings Amid Strikes
October 2, 2023
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Credit unions serving sectors impacted by work stoppages are rolling out offers to assist members facing economic hardship.
3 Ways To Better Serve Hispanic Members
October 2, 2023
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An inside look at how Unitus Community has built a holistic approach to service.
Americans Need Financial Wellness More Than Ever
September 25, 2023
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New data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows widening income gaps and rising poverty, illuminating the ongoing need for financial literacy programs from credit unions.
3 Trends At Low-Income And CDFI Credit Unions
Designations focused on serving members of modest means can lead to vastly different financial outcomes for credit unions.
What’s In A Name: Director Of Community Homeownership Development
WSECU creates a new role to take a holistic approach toward housing affordability in Seattle.
Back To School. Back To Work.
A training program from Associated Credit Union clears a pathway from class to career.
Consumers Give The Economy Two Thumbs Down
Increased pessimism — and credit card balances — present credit unions with the opportunity to help members improve their financial wellbeing.
Financial Wellbeing For Members. Financial Wellbeing For All.
After offering financial wellbeing services to members for years, BCU recently created a CUSO and rolled out a mobile app that guides members and non-members ...
BCU Builds National Reach One Relationship At A Time
The Illinois-based cooperative built its business around meeting the needs of some of Americas most admired companies. Deep relationships, diverse products, and a focus on ...
Credit Unions Are Stepping Up Aid Offerings Amid Strikes
Credit unions serving sectors impacted by work stoppages are rolling out offers to assist members facing economic hardship.
3 Ways To Better Serve Hispanic Members
An inside look at how Unitus Community has built a holistic approach to service.
Americans Need Financial Wellness More Than Ever
New data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows widening income gaps and rising poverty, illuminating the ongoing need for financial literacy programs from credit unions.
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.
3 Key Questions For Strategic Planning