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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Browse Topics
Growth Is A Mindset, But Success Is In The Contract
Callahan & Associates
Arriba Advisors co-founder Tom Russell explores how credit unions can bridge the gap between a growth mindset and their technical reality.
Fraud Is Faster, Smarter, And Harder To Stop. Here’s How To.
Callahan & Associates
RKL offers insight, expertise, and experience to help fight off growing threats.
The Numbers Are Good. The Moment Is Hard.
William Hunt
Members are anxious about their financial futures, even as credit unions remain financially strong. Institutions that respond to this moment can make 2026 a turning point.
Wages Are Growing. Wallets Are Not.
Sherry Virden
Global events are flowing directly into household budgets, reshaping how credit union members save, borrow, and cope. Such trends don’t always show up in headline data.
Credit Unions Are Having A Margin Moment
Tony Waltrich
Credit unions are benefiting from a rare margin advantage as loans reprice slower than deposits. The question now is how institutions will use that strength to better serve members.
Where Have All The Members Gone?
Omar Shalabi
Membership growth is slowing, but financial activity is not. What does the modern financial relationship look like?
5 Takeaways From First Quarter 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.
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.
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.