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.
4 Reasons Credit Unions Need To Train Front-Line Staff As Financial Counselors
October 13, 2021
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When all staff can recognize members’ financial challenges and make timely recommendations, you can improve your members’ financial lives and your credit union’s bottom line.
How Can Credit Unions Measure Impact?
October 11, 2021
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Callahan & Associates is committed to helping credit unions quantitatively demonstrate they are not only socially and commercially valuable financial institutions but also invaluable community partners.
Measure Your Mission: Quantifying Credit Union Impact Data
October 11, 2021
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Credit unions make an impact every day on their employees, members, and communities, yet too few are showcasing their efforts. Why? Where to start?
Reform Credit Unions? No, Rekindle Them!
October 5, 2021
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It’s time to show consumers that credit unions across the country are steadfastly working to improve the lives of their members and communities.
The Power of the Cooperative at Work: The Gregory’s Story
September 29, 2021
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Seth and Lindsey Gregory had done all the right things to afford their first home and start a family. Life, however, sometimes throws a curve ball. Hear their story and remember to give thanks for all your blessings this Thanksgiving.
A Fund To Fight The Flames
September 20, 2021
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In response to fires in the fall of 2020, Oregon Community Credit Union’s Foundation created a relief fund focused on mid-term recovery needs.
How Listerhill’s Digital Team Keeps Its Eyes On The Process
September 20, 2021
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A four-pillar approach to digital services at the Alabama cooperative blends technology, member experience, and process management.
Alabama Credit Union Scores With ‘My Credit Score’
September 13, 2021
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The cooperative has integrated credit score reporting and improvement tips into its mobile and online banking. So far, uptake has been strong.
Help Members Reskill To Pay The Bills
September 6, 2021
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A scholarship program in North Carolina provides more than $1 million annually to statewide community colleges for continuing education and career planning.
Insider Tips For Effective Employee Resource Groups
August 30, 2021
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Leaders from three credit unions share insights gleaned from launching and supporting employee resource groups.
4 Reasons Credit Unions Need To Train Front-Line Staff As Financial Counselors
When all staff can recognize members’ financial challenges and make timely recommendations, you can improve your members’ financial lives and your credit union’s bottom line.
Measure Your Mission: Quantifying Credit Union Impact Data
Credit unions make an impact every day on their employees, members, and communities, yet too few are showcasing their efforts. Why? Where to start?
Reform Credit Unions? No, Rekindle Them!
It’s time to show consumers that credit unions across the country are steadfastly working to improve the lives of their members and communities.
The Power of the Cooperative at Work: The Gregory’s Story
Seth and Lindsey Gregory had done all the right things to afford their first home and start a family. Life, however, sometimes throws a curve ...
A Fund To Fight The Flames
In response to fires in the fall of 2020, Oregon Community Credit Union’s Foundation created a relief fund focused on mid-term recovery needs.
How Listerhill’s Digital Team Keeps Its Eyes On The Process
A four-pillar approach to digital services at the Alabama cooperative blends technology, member experience, and process management.
Alabama Credit Union Scores With ‘My Credit Score’
The cooperative has integrated credit score reporting and improvement tips into its mobile and online banking. So far, uptake has been strong.
Help Members Reskill To Pay The Bills
A scholarship program in North Carolina provides more than $1 million annually to statewide community colleges for continuing education and career planning.
Insider Tips For Effective Employee Resource Groups
Leaders from three credit unions share insights gleaned from launching and supporting employee resource groups.
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.
How Can Credit Unions Measure Impact?