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.
What Have We Enabled Our Members To Achieve?
June 29, 2017
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Answering that question and focusing on jobs to be done can create a more fruitful credit union-member relationship.
Credit Unions, Resilience, And The American Dream
June 27, 2017
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On display at ACUC: Resilience in the credit union movement, among members, and at the institutions themselves.
How Southern Chautauqua FCU Builds Savings And Futures In Local Schools
June 26, 2017
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High-interest savings programs, financial education, and in-school branches form the backbone of the western New York cooperative’s strategy.
Some “Enchanted” Morning At The ACUC
June 26, 2017
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CUNA’s CEO issues a call for relevance while marketing guru Guy Kawasaki extols the “Art of Enchantment.”
Why A Stronger Voluntary Merger Rule Is Necessary
June 26, 2017
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The proposed NCUA rule would require payoffs to take place in the open, exposing merger deals to transparency before members give away millions in equity and member value.
Collaboration “Small” Talk Kicks Off ACUC
June 25, 2017
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Financial cooperatives share diverse ways to work together as CUNA’s annual summer conference begins with the Small Credit Union Roundtable.
Bringing Hope Back To Tampa Bay
June 22, 2017
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Economic turbulence had an entire Florida community singing the blues, but the reinvigoration of a cooperative cornerstone changed the outlook.
“Follow The Member” To Learn How To Provide Real Purpose
June 21, 2017
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Innovating to provide specific answers to questions like, “How have your members’ lives changed for the better since they signed up with you?”
How Virginia Credit Union Is Growing Innovative People And Products
June 19, 2017
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Richmond-based VACU stresses “data, process, and innovation” as specialty hires highlight hiring surge.
3 Tips To Build A Winning Team
June 15, 2017
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Professional sports team offer insight into how to support this critical element of success.
Credit Unions, Resilience, And The American Dream
On display at ACUC: Resilience in the credit union movement, among members, and at the institutions themselves.
How Southern Chautauqua FCU Builds Savings And Futures In Local Schools
High-interest savings programs, financial education, and in-school branches form the backbone of the western New York cooperative’s strategy.
Some “Enchanted” Morning At The ACUC
CUNA's CEO issues a call for relevance while marketing guru Guy Kawasaki extols the “Art of Enchantment.”
Why A Stronger Voluntary Merger Rule Is Necessary
The proposed NCUA rule would require payoffs to take place in the open, exposing merger deals to transparency before members give away millions in equity ...
Collaboration “Small” Talk Kicks Off ACUC
Financial cooperatives share diverse ways to work together as CUNA’s annual summer conference begins with the Small Credit Union Roundtable.
Bringing Hope Back To Tampa Bay
Economic turbulence had an entire Florida community singing the blues, but the reinvigoration of a cooperative cornerstone changed the outlook.
“Follow The Member” To Learn How To Provide Real Purpose
Innovating to provide specific answers to questions like, “How have your members’ lives changed for the better since they signed up with you?”
How Virginia Credit Union Is Growing Innovative People And Products
Richmond-based VACU stresses “data, process, and innovation” as specialty hires highlight hiring surge.
3 Tips To Build A Winning Team
Professional sports team offer insight into how to support this critical element of success.
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.
What Have We Enabled Our Members To Achieve?