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.
Reorienting A Credit Union
April 29, 2016
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Changing Oregon Telco to Unitus Community Credit Union is an ongoing overhaul. Some jobs are done, but a deposit mix, segment profitability, and cross-selling are now on the front burner.
A Tipping Point in 2010
April 29, 2016
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North Island Credit Union put in place a rigorous cost-cutting regime as soon as the economic crisis hit.
Arrowhead’s Demise (And Sudden Resurrection) Generates Questions
April 29, 2016
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On June 25, NCUA put Arrowhead Credit Union into conservatorship. The confusing events that followed leave the Agency’s motivations unclear.
Co-Op Principles from the Very Beginning
April 29, 2016
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Local Government Federal Credit Union makes known its dedication to cooperative principles in the marketplace.
Extending the Idea of a Credit Union: Interview with John Fenton
April 29, 2016
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Affinity FCU is moving beyond being a transactional institution to that plus an informational one, as well as promising members to make Affinity the easiest place to do business.
The Best Way to Grow Members in 2009
April 29, 2016
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Bank mergers and acquisitions, both large and small, provide a crucial opportunity for increasing membership and deposits in credit unions, as typically twenty percent of the disappearing bank’s deposits will change financial institutions within a year.
Digital Federal Credit Union Makes the Grade
April 26, 2016
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Take the rapidly rising costs of college education, mix in a private student loan market that has grown 450% in the last seven years alone, add a mass exodus of traditional lenders because of restricted access to capital, and you’ve got a volatile recipe for turmoil in the student loan marketplace.
Don’t Panic. Stick to Your Mission.
April 26, 2016
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We are in the low portion of a normal cycle. Previous good planning should carry you through, but some points to remember: Don’t panic; keep diversified; emphasize service over yield; stick to your mission; and maintain strong contact with members.
Working Closely with the Diocese
April 26, 2016
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In the Saginaw area, Catholic Federal displays a deep commitment to the communities and the Catholic flock.
Finding Success at “Ministry Banking”
April 26, 2016
No Comments
Evangelical Christian CU serves ministries and even considers itself a kind of ministry as well – a ministry that helps other ministries by lending to them.
Reorienting A Credit Union
Changing Oregon Telco to Unitus Community Credit Union is an ongoing overhaul. Some jobs are done, but a deposit mix, segment profitability, and cross-selling are ...
A Tipping Point in 2010
North Island Credit Union put in place a rigorous cost-cutting regime as soon as the economic crisis hit.
Arrowhead’s Demise (And Sudden Resurrection) Generates Questions
On June 25, NCUA put Arrowhead Credit Union into conservatorship. The confusing events that followed leave the Agency's motivations unclear.
Co-Op Principles from the Very Beginning
Local Government Federal Credit Union makes known its dedication to cooperative principles in the marketplace.
Extending the Idea of a Credit Union: Interview with John Fenton
Affinity FCU is moving beyond being a transactional institution to that plus an informational one, as well as promising members to make Affinity the easiest ...
The Best Way to Grow Members in 2009
Bank mergers and acquisitions, both large and small, provide a crucial opportunity for increasing membership and deposits in credit unions, as typically twenty percent of ...
Digital Federal Credit Union Makes the Grade
Take the rapidly rising costs of college education, mix in a private student loan market that has grown 450% in the last seven years alone, ...
Don’t Panic. Stick to Your Mission.
We are in the low portion of a normal cycle. Previous good planning should carry you through, but some points to remember: Don’t panic; keep ...
Working Closely with the Diocese
In the Saginaw area, Catholic Federal displays a deep commitment to the communities and the Catholic flock.
Finding Success at “Ministry Banking”
Evangelical Christian CU serves ministries and even considers itself a kind of ministry as well – a ministry that helps other ministries by lending to ...
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.