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.
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: Digital Member Engagement
February 23, 2026
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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
February 23, 2026
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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.
Building A ‘Culture’ Of Confidence At MSUFCU
February 16, 2026
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How the Michigan-based cooperative’s “Culture of Finance” curriculum is reframing financial education.
What Is The K-Shaped Economy And What Can Credit Unions Do About It?
February 16, 2026
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The gulf between the haves and the have-nots has widened in recent years. Credit unions can help members catch up.
5 Takeaways From NLCUP 2026
February 10, 2026
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On-site coverage at the National Association of Latino Credit Union Professionals’ 2026 conference explores how representation, emotional experience, and community trust are converging to shape the future of credit unions.
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: AI-Powered Member Experience
February 9, 2026
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This year’s finalists are reimagining how credit unions can use AI to combine cutting-edge technology with old-school member service.
When Members Don’t Turn To FIs, They Turn To Friends And Family
February 9, 2026
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Financial advice comes in many forms. How can credits union make sure they are the No. 1 choice for their members?
A Small Match Builds Big Emergency Savings At Lake Trust
February 9, 2026
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A program to help staffers improve their savings skills generated more than $200,000 in deposits and helped change participants’ financial habits.
Operationalizing Financial Wellbeing For Long-Term Growth
February 6, 2026
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Join a fireside chat as we walk through Patelco’s financial wellbeing strategy and the day to day tactics shaped by ongoing member and consumer behavior feedback.
5 Tucson Credit Unions Join Forces For Affordable Housing
February 2, 2026
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A handful of regional credit unions pair up with the GoWest Foundation to offer 100% financing for eligible borrowers.
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: Digital Member Engagement
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 ...
The American Budget Squeeze
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 ...
Building A ‘Culture’ Of Confidence At MSUFCU
How the Michigan-based cooperative’s “Culture of Finance” curriculum is reframing financial education.
What Is The K-Shaped Economy And What Can Credit Unions Do About It?
The gulf between the haves and the have-nots has widened in recent years. Credit unions can help members catch up.
5 Takeaways From NLCUP 2026
On-site coverage at the National Association of Latino Credit Union Professionals’ 2026 conference explores how representation, emotional experience, and community trust are converging to shape ...
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: AI-Powered Member Experience
This year's finalists are reimagining how credit unions can use AI to combine cutting-edge technology with old-school member service.
When Members Don’t Turn To FIs, They Turn To Friends And Family
Financial advice comes in many forms. How can credits union make sure they are the No. 1 choice for their members?
A Small Match Builds Big Emergency Savings At Lake Trust
A program to help staffers improve their savings skills generated more than $200,000 in deposits and helped change participants’ financial habits.
Operationalizing Financial Wellbeing For Long-Term Growth
Join a fireside chat as we walk through Patelco’s financial wellbeing strategy and the day to day tactics shaped by ongoing member and consumer behavior ...
5 Tucson Credit Unions Join Forces For Affordable Housing
A handful of regional credit unions pair up with the GoWest Foundation to offer 100% financing for eligible borrowers.
Browse Topics
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.
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.
Balancing Growth And Risk In Uncertain Lending Environments
Callahan & Associates
Traditional risk tools alone aren’t enough. Portfolio protection must evolve to meet members within the lending experience itself.
The Line Between Growth And Impact Was Blurry. Wright-Patt Decided To Redraw It.
Savana Morie
The Ohio cooperative is refining the role of its foundation to clarify what belongs within the credit union and what belongs under its charitable arm, strengthening focus and long term strategy for both.
Smarter Scheduling Delivers Faster Service And Lower Costs For 4Front Credit Union
Callahan & Associates
The credit union migrated its on-premises contact center and implemented workforce management software to maximize efficiency, minimize costs, and provide a better member experience.