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.
Equity Housing Bridges A North-South Divide
June 21, 2021
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Seattle-based Verity Credit Union is financing limited equity housing on the city’s south side in the hopes the model could serve as the future of affordable housing.
Conversations Transform Members’ Finances At Teachers Credit Union
May 24, 2021
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Top-Level Takeaways Members’ financial health and wellbeing are tied to mission, vision, and values statements at Teachers Credit Union. A formal training program provides guidance to front-line employees on how to build deeper connections during member interactions. Teachers Credit Union ($4.2B, South Bend, IN) ties the health and wellbeing of its members to its mission,
A Better Life For Members Is A Phone Call Away
May 24, 2021
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Affinity FCU’s outbound calling team seeks out suffering members to help solve their financial problems.
Have Credit Unions Lost Their Way?
May 17, 2021
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Bill Bynum, CEO of Hope Credit Union, makes the case for focusing on America’s poorest communities every day — not just during a crisis.
Having Grit, Giving Grace, And Celebrating Success In DEI
May 17, 2021
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A reworked strategic plan and employee resource committees have helped Verity Credit Union fast-track efforts to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion.
A Force Of Change For Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion
May 17, 2021
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A 12-person group at Teachers Credit Union focuses on action and deliverables in its efforts to promote DEI at the Indiana cooperative.
What’s In A Name: Youth Outreach Manager
May 10, 2021
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Cindy Jones spearheads First Financial’s efforts to improve financial health and literacy among Baltimore-area schools.
A Strategy To Help Credit Scores Soar
May 10, 2021
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Patelco Credit Union’s small-dollar loan doubles down on financial wellness principles by helping members with low or no credit improve their financial station.
What’s In A Name: Chief Of Financial Empowerment, Marketing, And Outreach
April 26, 2021
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Diane Sandoval-Griego coordinates diverse efforts to improve financial wellbeing for a multicultural membership.
20 Ways To Help People And Communities In Need
April 19, 2021
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Credit unions share insights about programs and strategies aimed at helping marginalized members and communities.
Equity Housing Bridges A North-South Divide
Seattle-based Verity Credit Union is financing limited equity housing on the city’s south side in the hopes the model could serve as the future of ...
Conversations Transform Members’ Finances At Teachers Credit Union
Top-Level Takeaways Members’ financial health and wellbeing are tied to mission, vision, and values statements at Teachers Credit Union. A formal training program provides guidance ...
A Better Life For Members Is A Phone Call Away
Affinity FCU’s outbound calling team seeks out suffering members to help solve their financial problems.
Have Credit Unions Lost Their Way?
Bill Bynum, CEO of Hope Credit Union, makes the case for focusing on America’s poorest communities every day — not just during a crisis.
Having Grit, Giving Grace, And Celebrating Success In DEI
A reworked strategic plan and employee resource committees have helped Verity Credit Union fast-track efforts to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion.
A Force Of Change For Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion
A 12-person group at Teachers Credit Union focuses on action and deliverables in its efforts to promote DEI at the Indiana cooperative.
What’s In A Name: Youth Outreach Manager
Cindy Jones spearheads First Financial’s efforts to improve financial health and literacy among Baltimore-area schools.
A Strategy To Help Credit Scores Soar
Patelco Credit Union’s small-dollar loan doubles down on financial wellness principles by helping members with low or no credit improve their financial station.
What’s In A Name: Chief Of Financial Empowerment, Marketing, And Outreach
Diane Sandoval-Griego coordinates diverse efforts to improve financial wellbeing for a multicultural membership.
20 Ways To Help People And Communities In Need
Credit unions share insights about programs and strategies aimed at helping marginalized members and communities.
Browse Topics
AI Adoption Is Growing. Are Credit Unions Keeping Pace?
Andrew Lepczyk
New data from Gallup shows half of all employees who work for companies that pay for AI tools use them. Credit unions are building their own momentum.
A Credit Union Bond Beyond Bloodlines
Aaron Passman
For Mike and Dave Valentine, the family business just happens to be credit unions. The father-son duo talk leadership styles, cooperative values, and the lessons they’ve learned from each other along the way.
Connection And Caring Matter As Much As Knowledge And Resources
Chris Howard
People who are truly financially thriving have both means and a sense of security that comes from confidence about the future. Building that kind of emotional engagement requires a deliberate design of everyday interactions.
Markets Flip From Pricing Cuts To 50% Chance Of Hikes
Jason Haley
Look beyond the headlines to better understand what is driving current market trends and how they could impact credit union investment portfolios.
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.