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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Key Questions For Strategic Planning