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.
The Power of the Cooperative at Work: The Gregory’s Story
September 29, 2021
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Seth and Lindsey Gregory had done all the right things to afford their first home and start a family. Life, however, sometimes throws a curve ball. Hear their story and remember to give thanks for all your blessings this Thanksgiving.
A Fund To Fight The Flames
September 20, 2021
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In response to fires in the fall of 2020, Oregon Community Credit Union’s Foundation created a relief fund focused on mid-term recovery needs.
How Listerhill’s Digital Team Keeps Its Eyes On The Process
September 20, 2021
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A four-pillar approach to digital services at the Alabama cooperative blends technology, member experience, and process management.
Alabama Credit Union Scores With ‘My Credit Score’
September 13, 2021
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The cooperative has integrated credit score reporting and improvement tips into its mobile and online banking. So far, uptake has been strong.
Help Members Reskill To Pay The Bills
September 6, 2021
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A scholarship program in North Carolina provides more than $1 million annually to statewide community colleges for continuing education and career planning.
Insider Tips For Effective Employee Resource Groups
August 30, 2021
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Leaders from three credit unions share insights gleaned from launching and supporting employee resource groups.
How BECU Supports Black Communities In Seattle And Beyond
August 23, 2021
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Two years after launching a DEI-focused internal initiative, the Washington state cooperative created a fund to donate $5 million over five years to Black-led nonprofits.
What’s In A Name: COVID Recovery Program Manager
August 23, 2021
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As a business owner herself, Ivory Lloyd knows how important it is to connect local businesspeople with resources to weather this storm or create new streams of income.
Exit Interview: Mike Lord, State Employees’ Credit Union
August 9, 2021
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“A positive difference” at the end of the day and a career of 46 years.
A 3-Pronged Approach Provides High-Impact Lending
August 2, 2021
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Community development loan officers at Wright-Patt build on the cooperative’s position as Dayton’s leading mortgage lender.
The Power of the Cooperative at Work: The Gregory’s Story
Seth and Lindsey Gregory had done all the right things to afford their first home and start a family. Life, however, sometimes throws a curve ...
A Fund To Fight The Flames
In response to fires in the fall of 2020, Oregon Community Credit Union’s Foundation created a relief fund focused on mid-term recovery needs.
How Listerhill’s Digital Team Keeps Its Eyes On The Process
A four-pillar approach to digital services at the Alabama cooperative blends technology, member experience, and process management.
Alabama Credit Union Scores With ‘My Credit Score’
The cooperative has integrated credit score reporting and improvement tips into its mobile and online banking. So far, uptake has been strong.
Help Members Reskill To Pay The Bills
A scholarship program in North Carolina provides more than $1 million annually to statewide community colleges for continuing education and career planning.
Insider Tips For Effective Employee Resource Groups
Leaders from three credit unions share insights gleaned from launching and supporting employee resource groups.
How BECU Supports Black Communities In Seattle And Beyond
Two years after launching a DEI-focused internal initiative, the Washington state cooperative created a fund to donate $5 million over five years to Black-led nonprofits.
What’s In A Name: COVID Recovery Program Manager
As a business owner herself, Ivory Lloyd knows how important it is to connect local businesspeople with resources to weather this storm or create new ...
Exit Interview: Mike Lord, State Employees’ Credit Union
“A positive difference” at the end of the day and a career of 46 years.
A 3-Pronged Approach Provides High-Impact Lending
Community development loan officers at Wright-Patt build on the cooperative’s position as Dayton’s leading mortgage lender.
Browse Topics
5 Takeaways From 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.
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.