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.
Inside CAP COM’s Focus On Infrastructure
February 21, 2022
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Top-Level Takeaways CAP COM provides infrastructure grants that fund needs that don’t normally appeal to gifting. The credit union’s foundation is in its second year of granting $100,000 to a diverse array of service providers. Infrastructure is an essential need that doesn’t easily attract funding, especially in the non-profit world. Its costs underly the ability
Langley Members Help Other Homebuyers
February 14, 2022
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A new program for first-time mortgage applicants intends to substantially reduce burdens around closing costs.
The CDFI Landscape for Credit Unions in 2022
February 2, 2022
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CU Strategic Planning’s Chief Strategy and Advocacy Officer Mike Beall, along with John McKechnie, Senior Partner of Total Spectrum, discuss the current environment for CDFI certification.
How To Reduce Financial Stress And Boost Productivity
January 19, 2022
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A Massachusetts cooperative shows what financial coaching looks like when it’s done the Workers way.
VSECU: The Budding Cannabis Market
January 12, 2022
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VSECU is one of a few financial institutions that serves the needs of cannabis businesses in Vermont. By doing so, the credit union addresses an area of financial exclusion within its field of membership.
VSECU: Community Impact
January 12, 2022
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As a values-based organization, VSECU takes seriously the cooperative principle of concern for community. This is evident in the community programs it supports, which range from securing better fuel prices to fighting food insecurity.
VSECU: A Green Future In Vermont
January 12, 2022
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Leaders at VSECU discuss culture, environmental impact, the growth of green lending, and cooperative finance at the Vermont cooperative.
Looking For More In The New Year
January 11, 2022
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The same motions will offer the same results in 2022. For results rooted in purpose and impact, try thinking and acting in a whole new way.
10 Ways VSECU Embraces Community Impact
January 10, 2022
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VSECU participates in a number of programs to improve the lives of the members and communities it serves. Serious support for a range of groups and projects should not be surprising coming from the second-largest credit union in Vermont one that prides itself on being a values-based organization that publicly focuses on member economic prosperity,
Credit Unions And Community Impact
January 10, 2022
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Three ways credit unions are delivering on a promise to support members, neighborhoods, communities, and more.
Inside CAP COM’s Focus On Infrastructure
Top-Level Takeaways CAP COM provides infrastructure grants that fund needs that don’t normally appeal to gifting. The credit union’s foundation is in its second year ...
Langley Members Help Other Homebuyers
A new program for first-time mortgage applicants intends to substantially reduce burdens around closing costs.
The CDFI Landscape for Credit Unions in 2022
CU Strategic Planning’s Chief Strategy and Advocacy Officer Mike Beall, along with John McKechnie, Senior Partner of Total Spectrum, discuss the current environment for CDFI ...
How To Reduce Financial Stress And Boost Productivity
A Massachusetts cooperative shows what financial coaching looks like when it’s done the Workers way.
VSECU: The Budding Cannabis Market
VSECU is one of a few financial institutions that serves the needs of cannabis businesses in Vermont. By doing so, the credit union addresses an ...
VSECU: Community Impact
As a values-based organization, VSECU takes seriously the cooperative principle of concern for community. This is evident in the community programs it supports, which range ...
VSECU: A Green Future In Vermont
Leaders at VSECU discuss culture, environmental impact, the growth of green lending, and cooperative finance at the Vermont cooperative.
10 Ways VSECU Embraces Community Impact
VSECU participates in a number of programs to improve the lives of the members and communities it serves. Serious support for a range of groups ...
Credit Unions And Community Impact
Three ways credit unions are delivering on a promise to support members, neighborhoods, communities, and more.
Browse Topics
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.
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.
The 84-Month Trap: How Negative Equity Is Quietly Undermining Your Auto Portfolio
Callahan & Associates
A new approach to vehicle affordability for credit unions.
2 Tactics To Increase Young Member Engagement
Aaron Passman
Youth banking programs, in-school branches, and a warm handoff to adulthood builds habits and relationships that last well beyond graduation.
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.
Don’t Wait For Data. FirstLook Analysis Is Available Today.
Callahan & Associates
Callahan & Associates provides an early look at quarterly performance results. Sneak a peek at the latest trends here.
The Merchant Services Advantage For Credit Unions
Callahan & Associates
Payment capabilities increasingly shape how business owners evaluate their primary financial institution
Looking For More In The New Year