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.
Work From Home Presents Risk For Some Staff
March 8, 2021
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Success is often measured in promotions, project leadership, and recognition, but to be successful, one needs to be known.
How To Charter A Credit Union
March 8, 2021
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After four years of dreaming, planning, and acting, Growing Oaks FCU opened its doors for business in December 2020.
4 Fabulous Onboarding Practices
March 1, 2021
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HR leaders at cooperatives big and small share how they welcome new hires, from breaking bread to explaining the credit union difference.
How 3 Credit Unions Are Handling The COVID-19 Vaccine
March 1, 2021
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The coronavirus vaccine should soon be available to the general population. The federal government is not mandating vaccination; some state or local jurisdictions might. What will credit unions do?
Member Data Reveals Surprising Truths At Texas Trust Credit Union
February 22, 2021
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A new analytics strategy has fixed misconceptions about members and fuels targeted product creation and marketing.
SMCU Distributes Dollars And Dreams During A Destructive Year
February 19, 2021
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When the pandemic hit, San Mateo Credit Union moved quickly to stand up a non-profit fund and move much-needed assistance into the communities it serves.
3 Leaders Weigh In On What’s To Come In 2021
February 15, 2021
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2020 was a complicated year. But it offered plenty of lessons for leaders and has set the stage for an important 2021.
A New Board For A Changing Membership
February 12, 2021
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Backed by a changing FOM and new BOD, One Detroit Credit Union targets programs to bring hope to Detroit’s abandoned neighborhoods.
It’s A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood
February 12, 2021
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Columbus United FCU joins forces with a national nonprofit to champion housing availability in rural Nebraska.
Local Cooperatives Thrive With VSECU
February 12, 2021
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The Vermont cooperative relies on a little-known state statute to make direct investments in cooperatives to bolster local economies and create a better world.
How To Charter A Credit Union
After four years of dreaming, planning, and acting, Growing Oaks FCU opened its doors for business in December 2020.
4 Fabulous Onboarding Practices
HR leaders at cooperatives big and small share how they welcome new hires, from breaking bread to explaining the credit union difference.
How 3 Credit Unions Are Handling The COVID-19 Vaccine
The coronavirus vaccine should soon be available to the general population. The federal government is not mandating vaccination; some state or local jurisdictions might. What ...
Member Data Reveals Surprising Truths At Texas Trust Credit Union
A new analytics strategy has fixed misconceptions about members and fuels targeted product creation and marketing.
SMCU Distributes Dollars And Dreams During A Destructive Year
When the pandemic hit, San Mateo Credit Union moved quickly to stand up a non-profit fund and move much-needed assistance into the communities it serves.
3 Leaders Weigh In On What’s To Come In 2021
2020 was a complicated year. But it offered plenty of lessons for leaders and has set the stage for an important 2021.
A New Board For A Changing Membership
Backed by a changing FOM and new BOD, One Detroit Credit Union targets programs to bring hope to Detroit’s abandoned neighborhoods.
It’s A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood
Columbus United FCU joins forces with a national nonprofit to champion housing availability in rural Nebraska.
Local Cooperatives Thrive With VSECU
The Vermont cooperative relies on a little-known state statute to make direct investments in cooperatives to bolster local economies and create a better world.
Browse Topics
Insights From The Outside: Don Rositano
Marc Rapport
How a former Sam’s Club finance leader adapted his member-first mindset to a not-for-profit credit union.
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.
What’s In A Name: Vice President Of History & Culture
Aaron Passman
How a unique role instills SchoolsFirst FCU’s future leaders with an appreciation for its past.
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?
Work From Home Presents Risk For Some Staff