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.
Purpose, Priorities, And The Power Of Letting Go
April 28, 2025
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How exiting non-core business lines has helped UFCU sharpen its edge in consumer banking and build a future-ready organization.
Honoring Roots To Expand Reach
April 28, 2025
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SF Fire Credit Union’s head of marketing shares how embracing the credit union’s history as a SEG for firefighters supports growth and brand awareness in a competitive market.
Aggieland Credit Union Helps Student Entrepreneurs Learn, Earn, And Return
April 21, 2025
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The Texas cooperative takes fun and philanthropy to the next level with a real-world business challenge that raised more than $57,000 for charity in one semester alone.
From Seed To Scale: The Credit Union Grant Model That Builds Capacity
April 21, 2025
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With an eye toward sustainable success, a grant program in North Carolina empowers small nonprofits to fulfill their missions.
3 Bankers Walk Into A Credit Union
April 14, 2025
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A trio of ex-bankers discuss how they embraced credit union culture and discovered a newfound purpose at Together Credit Union.
Celebrating 40 Years Of Credit Union Impact
March 31, 2025
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From shaping the industry’s approach to data to framing the conversation around key industry issues, here’s a look at the impact we’ve made — and what’s to come
Great Strategy Requires Trade-Offs
March 23, 2025
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A notable shift is occurring in the industry as credit unions make a choice to refocus on areas in which they can make the greatest impact.
How Mission And Momentum Have Revolutionized Great Lakes Credit Union
March 23, 2025
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Putting people first has transformed the Illinois-based cooperative into a local powerhouse that stands apart from the competition — and this is only the beginning.
A New Framework For Growth
March 23, 2025
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The first book from Callahan CEO Jon Jeffreys outlines how credit unions can grow and differentiate themselves by putting purpose at the center of their business strategy.
Credit Unions Deliver Impact. Members Are Here For It.
March 17, 2025
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Better rates, lower fees, and steadfast community presence are returning real financial results for the credit union movement.
Purpose, Priorities, And The Power Of Letting Go
How exiting non-core business lines has helped UFCU sharpen its edge in consumer banking and build a future-ready organization.
Honoring Roots To Expand Reach
SF Fire Credit Union’s head of marketing shares how embracing the credit union’s history as a SEG for firefighters supports growth and brand awareness in ...
Aggieland Credit Union Helps Student Entrepreneurs Learn, Earn, And Return
The Texas cooperative takes fun and philanthropy to the next level with a real-world business challenge that raised more than $57,000 for charity in one ...
From Seed To Scale: The Credit Union Grant Model That Builds Capacity
With an eye toward sustainable success, a grant program in North Carolina empowers small nonprofits to fulfill their missions.
3 Bankers Walk Into A Credit Union
A trio of ex-bankers discuss how they embraced credit union culture and discovered a newfound purpose at Together Credit Union.
Celebrating 40 Years Of Credit Union Impact
From shaping the industry’s approach to data to framing the conversation around key industry issues, here’s a look at the impact we’ve made — and ...
Great Strategy Requires Trade-Offs
A notable shift is occurring in the industry as credit unions make a choice to refocus on areas in which they can make the greatest ...
How Mission And Momentum Have Revolutionized Great Lakes Credit Union
Putting people first has transformed the Illinois-based cooperative into a local powerhouse that stands apart from the competition — and this is only the beginning.
Credit Unions Deliver Impact. Members Are Here For It.
Better rates, lower fees, and steadfast community presence are returning real financial results for the credit union movement.
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.
A New Framework For Growth