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.
Asking ‘Why’ Is The Beginning Of Sustainable Growth
December 1, 2017
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Perception is a powerful reality in a world of commoditized financial service offerings.
It’s Time For Credit Unions To Challenge Themselves
December 1, 2017
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What solutions could the future hold if the movement’s institutions leveraged their community connections to further the well-being of all involved?
30 Months. 20,000 New Members. $84 Million New Auto Loans.
November 13, 2017
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An Idaho credit union uses credit score analysis to build long-term relationships and the loan portfolio.
Participations Grow While Secondary Sales Slow
November 13, 2017
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Secondary market sales of burgeoning credit union mortgage share remains dominant, but credit unions are selling more loans to each other, too.
Erin Mendez On Leadership
November 2, 2017
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Erin Mendez, CEO at Patelco Credit Union, describes how changing a culture requires tough decisions, collaborative work, and faith in those around you.
Time For Real Credit Union Disruption: Seek Change From The NCUA!
October 26, 2017
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Keeping credit unions’ money for itself in the corporate bailout fund merger is the last straw — NCUA’s self-interest trumped its cooperative responsibility.
Now Is The Time To Act! Are You In?
October 26, 2017
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Are you willing to get involved in saving the NCUA from itself and the credit union movement for future generations?
Leading Without A Leader And Credit Level Advocacy
October 16, 2017
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Five can’t-miss data points featured this week on CreditUnions.com.
Lobbying And Advocacy At A Northeastern Credit Union
October 16, 2017
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The government relations and engagement chief at Visions FCU shares how the New York-Pennsylvania-New Jersey credit union makes lobbying a team effort.
Be That Unwavering Commodity
October 6, 2017
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Reflections on what credit unions can do to build community and commitment — and re-create themselves along the way.
It’s Time For Credit Unions To Challenge Themselves
What solutions could the future hold if the movement's institutions leveraged their community connections to further the well-being of all involved?
30 Months. 20,000 New Members. $84 Million New Auto Loans.
An Idaho credit union uses credit score analysis to build long-term relationships and the loan portfolio.
Participations Grow While Secondary Sales Slow
Secondary market sales of burgeoning credit union mortgage share remains dominant, but credit unions are selling more loans to each other, too.
Erin Mendez On Leadership
Erin Mendez, CEO at Patelco Credit Union, describes how changing a culture requires tough decisions, collaborative work, and faith in those around you.
Time For Real Credit Union Disruption: Seek Change From The NCUA!
Keeping credit unions’ money for itself in the corporate bailout fund merger is the last straw — NCUA’s self-interest trumped its cooperative responsibility.
Now Is The Time To Act! Are You In?
Are you willing to get involved in saving the NCUA from itself and the credit union movement for future generations?
Leading Without A Leader And Credit Level Advocacy
Five can't-miss data points featured this week on CreditUnions.com.
Lobbying And Advocacy At A Northeastern Credit Union
The government relations and engagement chief at Visions FCU shares how the New York-Pennsylvania-New Jersey credit union makes lobbying a team effort.
Be That Unwavering Commodity
Reflections on what credit unions can do to build community and commitment — and re-create themselves along the way.
Browse Topics
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.
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.
Balancing Growth And Risk In Uncertain Lending Environments
Callahan & Associates
Traditional risk tools alone aren’t enough. Portfolio protection must evolve to meet members within the lending experience itself.
The Line Between Growth And Impact Was Blurry. Wright-Patt Decided To Redraw It.
Savana Morie
The Ohio cooperative is refining the role of its foundation to clarify what belongs within the credit union and what belongs under its charitable arm, strengthening focus and long term strategy for both.
Smarter Scheduling Delivers Faster Service And Lower Costs For 4Front Credit Union
Callahan & Associates
The credit union migrated its on-premises contact center and implemented workforce management software to maximize efficiency, minimize costs, and provide a better member experience.
Asking ‘Why’ Is The Beginning Of Sustainable Growth