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.
The Brave New World Of Green Lending
January 10, 2022
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Energy efficiency loans, zero-carbon goals, underwriting, and strategic partnerships drive lending growth at VSECU.
Making A Community Impact In Vermont And Beyond
January 10, 2022
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Member-directed giving, values-based programs, and the cooperative spirit all guide VSECU’s efforts to leave a positive impact on its community.
A Small But Mighty Response To Payday Lenders And Fintech Competitors
January 5, 2022
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Credit unions are experimenting with employee-sponsored small-dollar loan programs at the urging of Filene and the FINRA Foundation.
ELGA Fuels Growth For Areas In Need
January 5, 2022
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The Michigan cooperative is going against the grain of other FIs by serving moderate to low-income members, opening new branches, and tapping CDFI funds to lend to people in need.
Small Loans Make A Big Impact In New Mexico
January 5, 2022
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Nusenda Credit Union works with community partners to identify and support borrowers shut out of traditional lending.
Arlington Community Sets The PACE For Sustainability
January 5, 2022
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The Virginia cooperative leverages a government-guaranteed loans program to help local business owners make an environmental difference.
What’s In A Name: Vice President Of Strategic Initiatives And Impact
January 3, 2022
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At Together Credit Union, ensuring pillars aren’t silos is at the heart of creating a change culture based on data and collaboration.
What Is Community Impact? Callahan Has The Data.
January 3, 2022
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Collecting data for the Impact Framework, Callahan & Associates has learned impact varies depending on institution and community — and that’s OK.
Seattle Credit Unions Invest Together In Affordable Housing
November 22, 2021
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Five cooperatives provide the final piece of public-private funding needed to launch a 277-unit project in suburban King County.
When It Comes To Supporting Members, Education Is Key
November 22, 2021
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Financial literacy is a strong priority for credit unions, which offer general counseling in various areas of finance as well as a variety of topical education.
The Brave New World Of Green Lending
Energy efficiency loans, zero-carbon goals, underwriting, and strategic partnerships drive lending growth at VSECU.
Making A Community Impact In Vermont And Beyond
Member-directed giving, values-based programs, and the cooperative spirit all guide VSECU’s efforts to leave a positive impact on its community.
A Small But Mighty Response To Payday Lenders And Fintech Competitors
Credit unions are experimenting with employee-sponsored small-dollar loan programs at the urging of Filene and the FINRA Foundation.
ELGA Fuels Growth For Areas In Need
The Michigan cooperative is going against the grain of other FIs by serving moderate to low-income members, opening new branches, and tapping CDFI funds to ...
Small Loans Make A Big Impact In New Mexico
Nusenda Credit Union works with community partners to identify and support borrowers shut out of traditional lending.
Arlington Community Sets The PACE For Sustainability
The Virginia cooperative leverages a government-guaranteed loans program to help local business owners make an environmental difference.
What’s In A Name: Vice President Of Strategic Initiatives And Impact
At Together Credit Union, ensuring pillars aren’t silos is at the heart of creating a change culture based on data and collaboration.
Seattle Credit Unions Invest Together In Affordable Housing
Five cooperatives provide the final piece of public-private funding needed to launch a 277-unit project in suburban King County.
When It Comes To Supporting Members, Education Is Key
Financial literacy is a strong priority for credit unions, which offer general counseling in various areas of finance as well as a variety of topical ...
Browse Topics
Credit Union Data Predicts Who Will Win Super Bowl 2026
Andrew Lepczyk
As Super Bowl LX nears, the Callahan Bowl prediction model says the Seahawks will see green en route to the Lombardi Trophy.
140 Million Reasons To Lend
Aaron Passman
Lending is evolving, and credit unions are adapting. This week, CreditUnions.com examines how shifting economic conditions are reshaping lending strategies.
Rethinking Auto Lending And The Choices Facing Credit Union Leaders
Callahan & Associates
Affordability pressures, extended loan terms, and shifting vehicle values are forcing institutions to look beyond familiar structures and reconsider how to balance risk and return.
What Credit Unions Can Do NOW To Launch And Expand Student Lending Programs
Callahan & Associates
Credit unions are uniquely well-positioned to guide members through uncertainty and fill essential funding gaps.
What Would A 10% Credit Card Rate Cap Mean For Credit Unions And Members?
Andrew Lepczyk
A closer look at the trade-offs of mandated lower credit card rates reveals a delicate balance between portfolio health and member access.
5 Tucson Credit Unions Join Forces For Affordable Housing
Savana Morie
A handful of regional credit unions pair up with the GoWest Foundation to offer 100% financing for eligible borrowers.
4 Important Exceptions To Track For Commercial Lending
Callahan & Associates
Learn how to identify, track, and manage four commercial lending exceptions to reduce risk, strengthen compliance, and streamline operations.
The Personal Loan Landscape Has Shifted
Aaron Passman
Declining savings rates and rising financial pressure are reshaping why members borrow, pushing credit unions to rethink lending strategies.
Simplify Credit Card Issuing For Sustainable Growth
Callahan & Associates
How can credit unions stay true to their mission while evolving to meet modern needs?
Will Ultra-Low Interest Rates Improve Housing Affordability?
Andrew Lepczyk
Ultra-low rates might feel like a boost to affordability, but they can create unintended challenges that ripple through housing markets, lenders, and the members credit unions serve.
What Is Community Impact? Callahan Has The Data.