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: Fraud Prevention And Resolution
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.
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: Digital Member Engagement
February 23, 2026
No Comments
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.
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: Fraud Prevention And Resolution
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 ...
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 ...
Browse Topics
Keep The Mortgage. Ditch The Fees.
Savana Morie
A rethink of closing costs, rate relief, and employer partnerships helped 7 17 Credit Union build an affordable housing mortgage program that works.
Home Is Where The Heart (And More) Is
Aaron Passman
Where is mortgage growth coming from right now? This week, CreditUnions.com covers a mix of home equity campaigns, targeted affordability programs, and niche lending strategies that are bringing borrowers back into the market.
3 Ways To Market For HELOC Success
Aaron Passman
Home equity lending is a winning option for credit unions in today’s mortgage environment. Learn how three different shops meet members’ needs.
Small House, Big Opportunity: 2 Takes On Manufactured Home Loans
Aaron Passman
Manufactured home loans can provide members access to affordable housing, including those in rural areas. Two credit unions share how they approach the niche product.
Mortgage Lending Is Back, But It Looks Different
Tony Waltrich
After a prolonged slowdown, signs of life are returning to mortgage lending. Growth is uneven, with first-time buyers and shifting rate dynamics driving activity in select segments.
MSUFCU Turns A Break In Payments Into A Member Experience Moment
Aaron Passman
The Michigan cooperative keeps everyday payments working and members happy by using a common friction point to build brand loyalty.
Insights From The Outside: Don Rositano
Marc Rapport
How a former Sam’s Club finance leader adapted his member-first mindset to a not-for-profit credit union.
What’s In A Name: Vice President Of History And Culture
Aaron Passman
How a novel role instills SchoolsFirst FCU’s future leaders with an appreciation for its past.
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.