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.
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.
What’s In A Name: Chief Financial Health Officer
April 12, 2021
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Ann McMillian leads the charge to improve member and enterprise financial wellness at IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union.
Taking Lessons From A ‘Year Of Giving’
April 8, 2021
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A new name and standout Super Bowl commercial isn’t the only way Desert Financial is making a splash in 2018.
Social Media Specialists Share Strategies And Principles
April 8, 2021
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Wright-Patt and Greater Texas lean on a virtual presence to provide real service and build brand value.
How VACU Struck Video Gold With A Guy In Flannel
April 8, 2021
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The “Guy in Flannel” series is the latest in a creative venture into market engagement and financial literacy for Virginia Credit Union.
A Strategy To Measure Marketing Impact
April 8, 2021
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Pen Air’s marketing dashboard serves as a communication tool for upper management and offers speaking points on reasons to join the credit union.
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.
What’s In A Name: Chief Financial Health Officer
Ann McMillian leads the charge to improve member and enterprise financial wellness at IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union.
Taking Lessons From A ‘Year Of Giving’
A new name and standout Super Bowl commercial isn’t the only way Desert Financial is making a splash in 2018.
Social Media Specialists Share Strategies And Principles
Wright-Patt and Greater Texas lean on a virtual presence to provide real service and build brand value.
How VACU Struck Video Gold With A Guy In Flannel
The “Guy in Flannel” series is the latest in a creative venture into market engagement and financial literacy for Virginia Credit Union.
A Strategy To Measure Marketing Impact
Pen Air’s marketing dashboard serves as a communication tool for upper management and offers speaking points on reasons to join the credit union.
Browse Topics
Why Financial Empowerment Matters More Than Financial Literacy
Savana Morie
Alltru FCU stopped treating education as the end goal. Now, financial empowerment guides product design, access, and risk decisions.
42% Of U.S. Households Experience Financial Hardship
Tony Waltrich
More than 50 million U.S. households earn less than the minimum average income needed to cover basic costs of living.
Excite Foundation Breaks Down Barriers For Children’s Savings
Savana Morie
Automatic enrollment and community partnerships help the credit union foundation expand access to early savings for underserved families.
Consumers Are Financing The Future Any Way They Can
Aaron Passman
Studies show credit card debt and Buy Now, Pay Later usage continue to rise. Bigger increases could be around the corner.
Credit Human Redefines ‘Green’ In The Heart Of Texas
Savana Morie
The credit union completed a three acre headquarters campus in 2021 that offers 52% more space while consuming a fraction of the resources. It’s a model of how cooperatives can lead on sustainability without sacrificing performance.
CDFIs By The Numbers
Omar Shalabi
CDFI credit unions might be fewer in number, but their impact reaches millions of members, and their footprint highlights how targeted mission can translate into broad, measurable reach.
Serving The Underserved Without Accepting Preventable Fraud Losses
Callahan & Associates
Preventable fraud losses quietly erode credit union margins. The difference between a 25% and 6% loss rate isn’t risk. It’s execution.
Inside An In-School Model That Links Classrooms With College And Careers
Savana Morie
Holy Rosary Credit Union has embedded itself into a local high school’s career and technical education program, offering scholarships, internships, and courses eligible for college credit.
6 Credit Union Executive Priorities For 2026
Jay Johnson
Credit union leaders want to know where peers are placing their focus. These six priorities reflect how leadership teams are responding to change with intention and clarity.
What’s Next For Credit Union Earnings?
Omar Shalabi
As margin support begins to fade, earnings performance is becoming more sensitive to revenue mix and harder to interpret through public reporting alone.