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.
VSECU Eyes A Green Future In Vermont
January 10, 2022
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Sandwiched between New York, New Hampshire, and Canada, Vermont embraces a fiercely independent spirit that dates back to the 1770s when Ethan Allen’s Green Mountain Boys fought for independence from the British. Home of maple syrup and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, Vermont was among the first states to outlaw slavery and remains one of
The Budding Cannabis Market In The Green Mountain State
January 10, 2022
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After stepping up to serve medical marijuana dispensaries, VSECU is positioned to lead the state in banking services for an explosion in recreational sales.
The Brave New World Of Green Lending
January 10, 2022
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Energy efficiency loans, zero-carbon goals, underwriting, and strategic partnerships drive lending growth at VSECU.
Making A Community Impact In Vermont And Beyond
January 10, 2022
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Member-directed giving, values-based programs, and the cooperative spirit all guide VSECU’s efforts to leave a positive impact on its community.
Turning Students Into Savers In Sin City
January 5, 2022
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Silver State Schools’ savings program has helped students in low-income schools tuck away more than $250,000 in five years.
A Small But Mighty Response To Payday Lenders And Fintech Competitors
January 5, 2022
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Credit unions are experimenting with employee-sponsored small-dollar loan programs at the urging of Filene and the FINRA Foundation.
ELGA Fuels Growth For Areas In Need
January 5, 2022
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The Michigan cooperative is going against the grain of other FIs by serving moderate to low-income members, opening new branches, and tapping CDFI funds to lend to people in need.
Small Loans Make A Big Impact In New Mexico
January 5, 2022
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Nusenda Credit Union works with community partners to identify and support borrowers shut out of traditional lending.
Arlington Community Sets The PACE For Sustainability
January 5, 2022
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The Virginia cooperative leverages a government-guaranteed loans program to help local business owners make an environmental difference.
What’s In A Name: Vice President Of Strategic Initiatives And Impact
January 3, 2022
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At Together Credit Union, ensuring pillars aren’t silos is at the heart of creating a change culture based on data and collaboration.
VSECU Eyes A Green Future In Vermont
Sandwiched between New York, New Hampshire, and Canada, Vermont embraces a fiercely independent spirit that dates back to the 1770s when Ethan Allen’s Green Mountain ...
The Budding Cannabis Market In The Green Mountain State
After stepping up to serve medical marijuana dispensaries, VSECU is positioned to lead the state in banking services for an explosion in recreational sales.
The Brave New World Of Green Lending
Energy efficiency loans, zero-carbon goals, underwriting, and strategic partnerships drive lending growth at VSECU.
Making A Community Impact In Vermont And Beyond
Member-directed giving, values-based programs, and the cooperative spirit all guide VSECU’s efforts to leave a positive impact on its community.
Turning Students Into Savers In Sin City
Silver State Schools’ savings program has helped students in low-income schools tuck away more than $250,000 in five years.
A Small But Mighty Response To Payday Lenders And Fintech Competitors
Credit unions are experimenting with employee-sponsored small-dollar loan programs at the urging of Filene and the FINRA Foundation.
ELGA Fuels Growth For Areas In Need
The Michigan cooperative is going against the grain of other FIs by serving moderate to low-income members, opening new branches, and tapping CDFI funds to ...
Small Loans Make A Big Impact In New Mexico
Nusenda Credit Union works with community partners to identify and support borrowers shut out of traditional lending.
Arlington Community Sets The PACE For Sustainability
The Virginia cooperative leverages a government-guaranteed loans program to help local business owners make an environmental difference.
What’s In A Name: Vice President Of Strategic Initiatives And Impact
At Together Credit Union, ensuring pillars aren’t silos is at the heart of creating a change culture based on data and collaboration.
Browse Topics
Stable Economy. Strained Households.
Andrew Lepczyk
Wages briefly caught up with inflation, but rising costs have pushed them back into negative territory. Here’s what that shift means for member finances and credit union performance.
Fintech Grounded In Mission As Much As Market Opportunity
Marc Rapport
Suncoast Credit Union balances near-term needs with longer-term bets, applying discipline to timing, valuation, and fit to decide when to invest and when to walk away.
Industry Intelligence For Credit Union Leaders
Callahan & Associates
Looking for quarterly data coverage, expert analysis, lessons from leading credit unions, and more? Callahan has it covered. Comparing top-level performance and digging into the details has never been easier.
Cost Pressures Are Changing Member Behavior
Savana Morie
First quarter data shows how rising costs are pushing consumers toward flexibility and reshaping borrowing and saving habits.
WSECU Invests In Innovation To Solve Pain Points
Marc Rapport
A dedicated CUSO holding company allows WSECU to move beyond building and back fintech partners it helps shape and scale.
When Employees Own Culture, Service Follows
Savana Morie
Advancial FCU links internal service standards, employee feedback, and peer recognition to create a more consistent experience for both staff and members.
How MSUFCU Builds And Backs Fintech Solutions
Marc Rapport
MSUFCU takes a hands-on approach to fintech, piloting solutions through its in-house lab before scaling and backing them through a wholly owned CUSO.
Members Demand Digital, But They Want Branches, Too
Savana Morie
Affinity Plus FCU has a clear member service mantra: digital for daily, human when it’s hard. Its CEO and CFO share what that looks like in practice.
How A Holding Company Helps Service Credit Union Win At Fintech
Marc Rapport
The New Hampshire cooperative shares how its fintech arm, Service Ventures, evaluates investments, balances risk, and defines success.
Future Bets From Today’s Credit Unions
Marc Rapport
Industry leaders share how they approach fintech investment, balancing immediate needs with longer-term bets while keeping member value and mission at the center.