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.
5 Questions To Answer Before Moving On A Merger
July 24, 2017
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Deciding whether, and with whom, to merge can be tricky. Use this list to spark conversations that will lead to a deeper understanding of the benefits, drawbacks, and other implications.
How High-Risk Lending Reaps Rewards
July 24, 2017
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Managing risk and building relationships helps two small credit unions lend to C-D-E-paper borrowers.
It’s All ‘Neighbor’ Good At TruStone Financial
July 17, 2017
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The Twin Cities financial cooperative used social media to entice members to call out good causes and made a lot of positive impressions in the process.
Remembering Hubert Hoosman
July 11, 2017
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Jim Blaine remembers the man who made a major mark in his St. Louis community and well beyond.
The Risk In Thinking That Safe Equals Sound
July 3, 2017
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While the NCUA and the industry examines the merger process, maybe it’s time to consider providing a way for credit unions considering going away to save their value and re-deploy it for the common good.
Get The Job Done For Members
July 3, 2017
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The success of both the credit union and the member should increase as their relationship deepens over time.
Credit Unions As A “Cornerstone” Of Freedom
July 3, 2017
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A Keystone State credit union vanishes to merger but not without a fight.
19 Credit Union Leaders. 1 Vision For Member Service.
July 3, 2017
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Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union regularly hits pause on the daily grind to talk big-picture strategy. Learn how those efforts are paying off.
How To Think Like A Strategist? Be Like Ike.
July 1, 2017
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Ongoing planning beats static plans every time. Now’s the time to learn the practice of real strategic thinking.
Why A New Merger Rule Is Vital
June 30, 2017
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A look at one recent merger shows how information shared and withheld can influence the outcome: the disappearance of yet another credit union with a proud, long history.
5 Questions To Answer Before Moving On A Merger
Deciding whether, and with whom, to merge can be tricky. Use this list to spark conversations that will lead to a deeper understanding of the ...
How High-Risk Lending Reaps Rewards
Managing risk and building relationships helps two small credit unions lend to C-D-E-paper borrowers.
It’s All ‘Neighbor’ Good At TruStone Financial
The Twin Cities financial cooperative used social media to entice members to call out good causes and made a lot of positive impressions in the ...
The Risk In Thinking That Safe Equals Sound
While the NCUA and the industry examines the merger process, maybe it’s time to consider providing a way for credit unions considering going away to ...
Get The Job Done For Members
The success of both the credit union and the member should increase as their relationship deepens over time.
Credit Unions As A “Cornerstone” Of Freedom
A Keystone State credit union vanishes to merger but not without a fight.
19 Credit Union Leaders. 1 Vision For Member Service.
Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union regularly hits pause on the daily grind to talk big-picture strategy. Learn how those efforts are paying off.
How To Think Like A Strategist? Be Like Ike.
Ongoing planning beats static plans every time. Now’s the time to learn the practice of real strategic thinking.
Why A New Merger Rule Is Vital
A look at one recent merger shows how information shared and withheld can influence the outcome: the disappearance of yet another credit union with a ...
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.
Remembering Hubert Hoosman