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.
California Cooperatives Both Get A Win From Shared-Branch Arrangement
October 31, 2022
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A pair of Sacramento-area credit unions have embarked on a relatively unique partnership, sharing a single facility to serve their respective memberships.
Exit Interview: Michael Poulos, Michigan First Credit Union
October 24, 2022
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After three decades of building positive impact on members’ lives, the CEO leaves his cooperative in trusted hands.
Impact Strategies From October 2022
October 24, 2022
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A look back at strategies and ideas that help credit unions make an even bigger difference in the communities they serve.
There’s No Wrong Way To Make An Impact
October 15, 2022
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Three simple steps to make a difference and measure your credit union’s impact.
It Takes A Team To Fight Fraud
October 15, 2022
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Verve, A Credit Union is collaborating with local law enforcement to help community members better protect themselves against a variety of fraud.
The Power Behind A ‘Strong’ Rebrand
October 10, 2022
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A charter change and FOM expansion prompted Kern Schools FCU to rebrand as Valley Strong, but it’s a new growth mindset that has turned the cooperative into a financial force.
Fighting Food Insecurity 1 Financial Lesson At A Time
October 10, 2022
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A pilot program is making financial literacy information available in food banks as part of a long-term push by the league to fight food insecurity statewide.
How 1 Foundation Tackles 2 Mandates
October 10, 2022
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A new foundation from Excite Credit Union focuses on disaster relief and college savings to support its markets in California and North Carolina.
Impact Strategies From September 2022
September 26, 2022
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A look inside strategies and programs that are helping credit unions of all sizes make a difference in the communities they serve.
School Branches Earn High Grades For This Ohio Cooperative
September 26, 2022
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Atomic Credit Union helps students build savings and careers as it increases visibility through its 58 school branches.
California Cooperatives Both Get A Win From Shared-Branch Arrangement
A pair of Sacramento-area credit unions have embarked on a relatively unique partnership, sharing a single facility to serve their respective memberships.
Exit Interview: Michael Poulos, Michigan First Credit Union
After three decades of building positive impact on members’ lives, the CEO leaves his cooperative in trusted hands.
Impact Strategies From October 2022
A look back at strategies and ideas that help credit unions make an even bigger difference in the communities they serve.
There’s No Wrong Way To Make An Impact
Three simple steps to make a difference and measure your credit union’s impact.
It Takes A Team To Fight Fraud
Verve, A Credit Union is collaborating with local law enforcement to help community members better protect themselves against a variety of fraud.
The Power Behind A ‘Strong’ Rebrand
A charter change and FOM expansion prompted Kern Schools FCU to rebrand as Valley Strong, but it’s a new growth mindset that has turned the ...
Fighting Food Insecurity 1 Financial Lesson At A Time
A pilot program is making financial literacy information available in food banks as part of a long-term push by the league to fight food insecurity ...
How 1 Foundation Tackles 2 Mandates
A new foundation from Excite Credit Union focuses on disaster relief and college savings to support its markets in California and North Carolina.
Impact Strategies From September 2022
A look inside strategies and programs that are helping credit unions of all sizes make a difference in the communities they serve.
School Branches Earn High Grades For This Ohio Cooperative
Atomic Credit Union helps students build savings and careers as it increases visibility through its 58 school branches.
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.