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.
CEO Interview: Incorporating Strong Principles
April 26, 2016
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VUMCU works closely with Virginia ‘s Methodist churches to foster innovative small loans while working to expand into larger church loans and grow its membership.
CEO Interview: Looking for Impact
April 26, 2016
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David Mooney, a former JPMorganChase banker, talks about his work to convert United Airlines Employees CU to Alliant CU.
A Lot of People Thought I was Nuts.
April 26, 2016
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After moving to a credit union one-third the size of his former bank, Richard Hurt was asked to take the credit union to the next level.
Recruited to Help with a Community Focus
April 26, 2016
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Wide experience in various for-profit financial institutions allowed Simone
Lagomarsino a broad perspective on credit union strategy and tactics.
The Best Staff for the Job
April 26, 2016
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With more than 220 branches across the state of North Carolina, State Employees’ Credit Union has a workforce that tops 4,000 employees. The selection and training of employees is essential to SECU’s one-on-one approach with members.
FirstLook: The Key to 14% Lending Growth
April 26, 2016
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Affinity FCU demonstrates that sticking by their membership, in good times and bad, can lead to phenomenal growth—even when the competition comes roaring back.
North Island is Back in Black
April 26, 2016
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First quarter results from North Island Financial Credit Union show a credit union on a journey back to health.
A Cash Cow 7 Years In The Making
April 26, 2016
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A review of NCUSIF audits show a rebuff of reality that marks seven years of building budgets while thwarting the fund’s intent to sustain and nurture.
A Blueprint For Call Center Performance Excellence
April 25, 2016
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Empowering employees to provide top-shelf member service requires careful selection, training, follow up and attention to their wellness.
A Campaign of Member Testimonials
April 22, 2016
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Unitus Community Credit Union used member testimonials to widen its presence in the community and convey member value.
CEO Interview: Incorporating Strong Principles
VUMCU works closely with Virginia 's Methodist churches to foster innovative small loans while working to expand into larger church loans and grow its membership.
CEO Interview: Looking for Impact
David Mooney, a former JPMorganChase banker, talks about his work to convert United Airlines Employees CU to Alliant CU.
A Lot of People Thought I was Nuts.
After moving to a credit union one-third the size of his former bank, Richard Hurt was asked to take the credit union to the next ...
Recruited to Help with a Community Focus
Wide experience in various for-profit financial institutions allowed Simone
Lagomarsino a broad perspective on credit union strategy and tactics.
Lagomarsino a broad perspective on credit union strategy and tactics.
The Best Staff for the Job
With more than 220 branches across the state of North Carolina, State Employees’ Credit Union has a workforce that tops 4,000 employees. The selection and ...
FirstLook: The Key to 14% Lending Growth
Affinity FCU demonstrates that sticking by their membership, in good times and bad, can lead to phenomenal growth—even when the competition comes roaring back.
North Island is Back in Black
First quarter results from North Island Financial Credit Union show a credit union on a journey back to health.
A Blueprint For Call Center Performance Excellence
Empowering employees to provide top-shelf member service requires careful selection, training, follow up and attention to their wellness.
A Campaign of Member Testimonials
Unitus Community Credit Union used member testimonials to widen its presence in the community and convey member value.
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 Cash Cow 7 Years In The Making