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.
Affordable Housing Isn’t About Business. It’s About People.
November 10, 2025
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NOLA Firemen’s FCU helps members qualify for a mortgage in a state where poverty is high and insurance premiums are keeping many would-be borrowers out of a home.
What Credit Unions Can Learn From Mamdani’s Campaign
November 5, 2025
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Don’t stop reading because you think this is a love letter to Zohran Mamdani. It’s not about politics; it’s about connection and authenticity. His people-first campaign offers four lessons for credit unions on speaking with purpose and being heard.
2 Hot Takes On Member Growth
November 3, 2025
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Member growth is slowing. What can credit unions do about it? Callahan experts explore how purpose and financial wellbeing might be the key to sustainable member growth.
Wright-Patt Turns Purpose Into Property For First-Time Homebuyers
October 27, 2025
No Comments
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
October 27, 2025
No Comments
The Minnesota-based cooperative invites high-dollar depositors to turn private prosperity into shared possibility through a savings product designed around social impact.
7 Tips To Rebrand After A Major Merger
October 20, 2025
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Practical tips from marketing pros for navigating brand integration, from aligning messaging and honoring legacy to building trust and more.
A High-Tech Branch For High Tech Students
October 20, 2025
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A credit union branch at Lamar Institute of Technology combines products, education, and philanthropy to support job training and technical education in Southeastern Texas.
Every Credit Union Has A Member Story To Tell
October 15, 2025
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The Member Story Project from Callahan & Associates invites credit unions to share their stories of member impact and celebrate how they change lives every day.
5 Essential Insights To Improve Member Financial Wellbeing And Support Credit Union Growth
October 13, 2025
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Are members thriving, struggling, or suffering? Just a few simple strategies can foster member financial wellbeing and boost the bottom line.
There’s Nothing Random About These Acts Of Kindness
October 13, 2025
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A one-day event to give back has transformed into an initiative that spans several states and generates hundreds of thousands of dollars in community impact.
Affordable Housing Isn’t About Business. It’s About People.
NOLA Firemen’s FCU helps members qualify for a mortgage in a state where poverty is high and insurance premiums are keeping many would-be borrowers out ...
2 Hot Takes On Member Growth
Member growth is slowing. What can credit unions do about it? Callahan experts explore how purpose and financial wellbeing might be the key to sustainable ...
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.
7 Tips To Rebrand After A Major Merger
Practical tips from marketing pros for navigating brand integration, from aligning messaging and honoring legacy to building trust and more.
A High-Tech Branch For High Tech Students
A credit union branch at Lamar Institute of Technology combines products, education, and philanthropy to support job training and technical education in Southeastern Texas.
Every Credit Union Has A Member Story To Tell
The Member Story Project from Callahan & Associates invites credit unions to share their stories of member impact and celebrate how they change lives every ...
5 Essential Insights To Improve Member Financial Wellbeing And Support Credit Union Growth
Are members thriving, struggling, or suffering? Just a few simple strategies can foster member financial wellbeing and boost the bottom line.
There’s Nothing Random About These Acts Of Kindness
A one-day event to give back has transformed into an initiative that spans several states and generates hundreds of thousands of dollars in community impact.
Browse Topics
The Numbers That Matter Most To Credit Unions
Aaron Passman
A look at year-end performance trends reveals how earnings, affordability pressures, and asset quality are redefining the operating environment heading into 2026.
The Affordability Crisis Is Reshaping Credit Union Balance Sheets
Sherry Virden
Members are struggling with an affordability crisis that is changing how they manage debt, and new behaviors are showing up across the credit union loan portfolio.
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: Employee Enablement
Callahan & Associates
This year’s Innovation Series returns with bigger impact and broader horizons. Since 2018, this annual showcase has spotlighted forward-thinking solutions by giving innovators a stage to share ideas, demonstrate solutions, and spark meaningful change.
Asset Quality Takes An Uncomfortable Turn In 2025
Andrew Lepczyk
Credit union asset quality didn’t collapse in 2025 — but it didn’t cooperate, either. What’s going on, and are credit unions prepared to respond in 2026?
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: Fraud Prevention And Resolution
Callahan & Associates
This year’s Innovation Series returns with bigger impact and broader horizons. Since 2018, this annual showcase has spotlighted forward-thinking solutions by giving innovators a stage to share ideas, demonstrate solutions, and spark meaningful change.
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: Digital Member Engagement
Callahan & Associates
This year’s Innovation Series returns with bigger impact and broader horizons. Since 2018, this annual showcase has spotlighted forward-thinking solutions by giving innovators a stage to share ideas, demonstrate solutions, and spark meaningful change.
The American Budget Squeeze
Tony Waltrich
The affordability crisis extends far beyond big-ticket expenses. As the rising cost of basic necessities outpaces income growth, household budgets are under strain and long-term financial stability is increasingly at risk.
Flexibility In The Earnings Model Matters More As Rates Turn
Omar Shalabi
As credit unions move deeper into 2026, the earnings conversation is shifting. Elevated interest rates have boosted margins and strengthened earnings flexibility, but that advantage won’t persist indefinitely.
Credit Unions At A Crossroads: Shifts, Risks, And Opportunities
Callahan & Associates
A radical shift is taking place in the way consumers move money and engage with their financial institution.
Building A ‘Culture’ Of Confidence At MSUFCU
Aaron Passman
How the Michigan-based cooperative’s “Culture of Finance” curriculum is reframing financial education.
What Credit Unions Can Learn From Mamdani’s Campaign