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.
Clearwater Credit Union: What’s In A Brand?
August 22, 2022
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Clearwater Credit Union leaders look back on their credit union’s history and branding and reflect on the path that led to where they are today.
How Empower FCU Empowers Branch Employees
August 15, 2022
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The Syracuse, NY-based credit union has put in place a “self-promotion” program to help branch employees advance their careers and earn a series of raises, all while boosting member service.
Banking On Values In A Crowded Montana Market
August 8, 2022
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Clearwater Credit Union is growing rapidly by embracing values-based banking and characteristics of life unique to Big Sky Country.
When Banks Left The Community, Honor Credit Union Stepped In
August 8, 2022
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After Huntingdon Bank closed several branches where the credit union has a presence, Honor purchased five of those locations so those communities wouldn’t be banking deserts.
Filling Your Mortgage Pipeline By Marketing To Millennials
August 1, 2022
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The market Is changing rapidly, and young adults now have more spending power than any other demographic. Here’s how to harness It to help grow your credit union and Increase home ownership among this market segment.
How Canopy Credit Union Uses Personal Loans To Improve Members’ Financial Lives
August 1, 2022
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A one-day-only promotion that mixes financial counseling with loan growth opportunities has been a roaring success since it was introduced two years ago.
How The TowerCares Foundation Maximizes Its Impact
July 25, 2022
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As the philanthropic organization surges past the $1 million mark, its CEO looks back on lessons learned and offers advice for those just getting started.
Credit Unions On Campus
July 25, 2022
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I grew up in California, but these days I’m a student at Williams College, located in a small, rural town in the heart of the Berkshires. My family has always been involved in the credit union movement, and while in college I’ve been interested to hear other students’ perspectives on this industry. I was directed
Impact Strategies From July 2022
July 25, 2022
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A look back at stories from the last month showcasing how credit unions are making a difference in ways that go way beyond just banking.
Making An Impact – And Getting Results
July 22, 2022
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Callahan’s 2021 Impact Survey shows the variety of ways credit unions are making a difference in their communities and advancing the industry’s philosophy of “people helping people.”
Clearwater Credit Union: What’s In A Brand?
Clearwater Credit Union leaders look back on their credit union’s history and branding and reflect on the path that led to where they are today.
How Empower FCU Empowers Branch Employees
The Syracuse, NY-based credit union has put in place a “self-promotion” program to help branch employees advance their careers and earn a series of raises, ...
Banking On Values In A Crowded Montana Market
Clearwater Credit Union is growing rapidly by embracing values-based banking and characteristics of life unique to Big Sky Country.
When Banks Left The Community, Honor Credit Union Stepped In
After Huntingdon Bank closed several branches where the credit union has a presence, Honor purchased five of those locations so those communities wouldn’t be banking ...
Filling Your Mortgage Pipeline By Marketing To Millennials
The market Is changing rapidly, and young adults now have more spending power than any other demographic. Here's how to harness It to help grow ...
How Canopy Credit Union Uses Personal Loans To Improve Members’ Financial Lives
A one-day-only promotion that mixes financial counseling with loan growth opportunities has been a roaring success since it was introduced two years ago.
How The TowerCares Foundation Maximizes Its Impact
As the philanthropic organization surges past the $1 million mark, its CEO looks back on lessons learned and offers advice for those just getting started.
Impact Strategies From July 2022
A look back at stories from the last month showcasing how credit unions are making a difference in ways that go way beyond just banking.
Making An Impact – And Getting Results
Callahan’s 2021 Impact Survey shows the variety of ways credit unions are making a difference in their communities and advancing the industry’s philosophy of “people ...
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.
Credit Unions On Campus