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.
Best Of 2025 (So Far): Supporting Member Financial Wellbeing
June 30, 2025
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From access to education and beyond, credit unions are putting members first in a way that’s not just about banking – it’s about financial empowerment.
Tracy Verner Is Breaking Barriers In St. Louis Finance
June 16, 2025
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The community development manager at Alltru FCU turned in her barbells for bank accounts and is building access one account at a time.
90 Years + 1,000 Volunteer Hours In 90 Days
June 16, 2025
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Education Credit Union launched “90 Days, 900 Ways to Serve” in honor of its 90th anniversary. The institution surpassed that goal thanks to widespread employee buy-in and strong community ties.
Game On: Inside A Financial Escape Room At Hanscom FCU
June 9, 2025
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The Massachusetts cooperative’s 2,300-square-foot full-service financial wellness office features fun and free interactive challenges that bring financial concepts to life.
School’s Out For Summer, But Financial Education Is Forever
June 9, 2025
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Abound Credit Union helps keep financial literacy alive through a dynamic summer camp that blends campus life with real-world money skills.
Credit Human Scores Staff Satisfaction
May 25, 2025
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Internal NPS scores and employee experience surveys help the San Antonio cooperative measure worker sentiment.
Interns Inspire Innovation At California Credit Union
May 19, 2025
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The West Coast cooperative supports local education through a summer internship program, and alumni have left their mark on the credit union’s operations.
Americans Are Anxious. How Do Credit Unions Respond?
May 14, 2025
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Credit unions are leaning into their values and fine-tuning outreach strategies to meet the emotional and financial needs of worried members.
¿Habla Finance? At WECU, Employees Are Learning.
May 12, 2025
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Language training at the Pacific Northwest credit union is laying the groundwork to better serve Spanish speakers in the region.
Best Of 2025 (So Far): Supporting Member Financial Wellbeing
From access to education and beyond, credit unions are putting members first in a way that’s not just about banking – it’s about financial empowerment. ...
Tracy Verner Is Breaking Barriers In St. Louis Finance
The community development manager at Alltru FCU turned in her barbells for bank accounts and is building access one account at a time.
90 Years + 1,000 Volunteer Hours In 90 Days
Education Credit Union launched “90 Days, 900 Ways to Serve” in honor of its 90th anniversary. The institution surpassed that goal thanks to widespread employee ...
Game On: Inside A Financial Escape Room At Hanscom FCU
The Massachusetts cooperative’s 2,300-square-foot full-service financial wellness office features fun and free interactive challenges that bring financial concepts to life.
School’s Out For Summer, But Financial Education Is Forever
Abound Credit Union helps keep financial literacy alive through a dynamic summer camp that blends campus life with real-world money skills.
Credit Human Scores Staff Satisfaction
Internal NPS scores and employee experience surveys help the San Antonio cooperative measure worker sentiment.
Interns Inspire Innovation At California Credit Union
The West Coast cooperative supports local education through a summer internship program, and alumni have left their mark on the credit union’s operations.
Americans Are Anxious. How Do Credit Unions Respond?
Credit unions are leaning into their values and fine-tuning outreach strategies to meet the emotional and financial needs of worried members.
¿Habla Finance? At WECU, Employees Are Learning.
Language training at the Pacific Northwest credit union is laying the groundwork to better serve Spanish speakers in the region.
Browse Topics
The Numbers That Matter Most To Credit Unions
Aaron Passman
A look at year-end performance trends reveals how earnings, affordability pressures, and asset quality are redefining the operating environment heading into 2026.
The Affordability Crisis Is Reshaping Credit Union Balance Sheets
Sherry Virden
Members are struggling with an affordability crisis that is changing how they manage debt, and new behaviors are showing up across the credit union loan portfolio.
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: Employee Enablement
Callahan & Associates
This year’s Innovation Series returns with bigger impact and broader horizons. Since 2018, this annual showcase has spotlighted forward-thinking solutions by giving innovators a stage to share ideas, demonstrate solutions, and spark meaningful change.
Asset Quality Takes An Uncomfortable Turn In 2025
Andrew Lepczyk
Credit union asset quality didn’t collapse in 2025 — but it didn’t cooperate, either. What’s going on, and are credit unions prepared to respond in 2026?
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: Fraud Prevention And Resolution
Callahan & Associates
This year’s Innovation Series returns with bigger impact and broader horizons. Since 2018, this annual showcase has spotlighted forward-thinking solutions by giving innovators a stage to share ideas, demonstrate solutions, and spark meaningful change.
Meet The Finalists For The 2026 Innovation Series: Digital Member Engagement
Callahan & Associates
This year’s Innovation Series returns with bigger impact and broader horizons. Since 2018, this annual showcase has spotlighted forward-thinking solutions by giving innovators a stage to share ideas, demonstrate solutions, and spark meaningful change.
The American Budget Squeeze
Tony Waltrich
The affordability crisis extends far beyond big-ticket expenses. As the rising cost of basic necessities outpaces income growth, household budgets are under strain and long-term financial stability is increasingly at risk.
Flexibility In The Earnings Model Matters More As Rates Turn
Omar Shalabi
As credit unions move deeper into 2026, the earnings conversation is shifting. Elevated interest rates have boosted margins and strengthened earnings flexibility, but that advantage won’t persist indefinitely.
Credit Unions At A Crossroads: Shifts, Risks, And Opportunities
Callahan & Associates
A radical shift is taking place in the way consumers move money and engage with their financial institution.
Building A ‘Culture’ Of Confidence At MSUFCU
Aaron Passman
How the Michigan-based cooperative’s “Culture of Finance” curriculum is reframing financial education.