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.
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.
Equity In Lending Takes Center Stage For 2 Credit Unions
September 25, 2023
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A pilot program aims to increase access to credit for people of color by bringing together multiple lenders to share data and practices as well as explore new underwriting practices.
3 Tactics To Drive Economic Empowerment
September 18, 2023
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How a trio of California credit unions are helping communities and members take better control of their financial resources.
3 Ways To Reach Unbanked And Underbanked Households
September 11, 2023
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Bank On certified accounts fulfill the credit union mission while fortifying community partnerships.
Gesa Gives Students Meaningful Work Opportunities. Other Credit Unions Can, Too.
August 30, 2023
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An internship program launched more than 20 years ago provides financial education and career enhancement for Washington state high school students.
CEO Onboarding: Brandon Michaels, OneAZ Credit Union
August 28, 2023
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A veteran CEO is onboarded once again and shares how he — and the process — have evolved.
Making — And Measuring — A Difference In The Community
August 21, 2023
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Self-Help taps multiple perspectives and systems to tell a meaningful, compelling story about its accomplishments.
OneAZ Is Expanding Financial Access To The Underbanked. Here’s How.
August 14, 2023
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The Grand Canyon State cooperative is offering three new products to reach underbanked members and provide financial education for adults and young members alike.
Micro Grants. Major Support.
July 31, 2023
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A microgrant program from Verity Credit Union lifts up local nonprofits and other organizations.
Navigating Liquidity In Testing Times: Insights From Leaders Credit Union
July 24, 2023
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The Tennessee cooperative uses a “balanced balance sheet approach” to ensure steady growth in lending and deposits.
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.
Equity In Lending Takes Center Stage For 2 Credit Unions
A pilot program aims to increase access to credit for people of color by bringing together multiple lenders to share data and practices as well ...
3 Tactics To Drive Economic Empowerment
How a trio of California credit unions are helping communities and members take better control of their financial resources.
3 Ways To Reach Unbanked And Underbanked Households
Bank On certified accounts fulfill the credit union mission while fortifying community partnerships.
Gesa Gives Students Meaningful Work Opportunities. Other Credit Unions Can, Too.
An internship program launched more than 20 years ago provides financial education and career enhancement for Washington state high school students.
CEO Onboarding: Brandon Michaels, OneAZ Credit Union
A veteran CEO is onboarded once again and shares how he — and the process — have evolved.
Making — And Measuring — A Difference In The Community
Self-Help taps multiple perspectives and systems to tell a meaningful, compelling story about its accomplishments.
OneAZ Is Expanding Financial Access To The Underbanked. Here’s How.
The Grand Canyon State cooperative is offering three new products to reach underbanked members and provide financial education for adults and young members alike.
Micro Grants. Major Support.
A microgrant program from Verity Credit Union lifts up local nonprofits and other organizations.
Navigating Liquidity In Testing Times: Insights From Leaders Credit Union
The Tennessee cooperative uses a “balanced balance sheet approach” to ensure steady growth in lending and deposits.
Browse Topics
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.
Insights From The Outside: Don Rositano
Marc Rapport
How a former Sam’s Club finance leader adapted his member-first mindset to a not-for-profit credit union.
What’s In A Name: Vice President Of History And Culture
Aaron Passman
How a novel role instills SchoolsFirst FCU’s future leaders with an appreciation for its past.
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.