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.
X-factors: How can they drive your credit union’s success?
April 22, 2016
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Learn how CES Credit Union ($103M) in Ohio drove 20% organic growth by addressing one X-factor.
What Can Credit Unions Learn from Niche Lenders
April 22, 2016
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One credit union’s dedicated focus on a niche market is paying off in double digit loan and share growth.
An Effective Board Recruiting Process
April 22, 2016
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Recruiting new board members is a often a constant priority for many credit unions. Pacific Service Credit Union’s advisory director program serves a “training program” for potential candidates.
Credit Unions Helping America’s Military Community
April 22, 2016
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The Pentagon Federal Credit Union and its Foundation sponsored a special concert of American patriotic songs by the US Army Chorus and the National Men’s Chorus in Washington, DC.
Supplier Diversity
April 22, 2016
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Veridian encourages diversity not only through its membership, but also through its choices of suppliers.
Financial Education as a Credit Union Differentiator: Interview with A+ FCU
April 21, 2016
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Each credit union’s education program is exclusive and should be tailored to fit the unique needs of the membership, community, values and goals. Here is A+ FCU’s story.
‘Learning a New Language’: Combining Credit Union Cultures in a Merger
April 21, 2016
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Combining cultures can be the sticking point for many merger talks. United Federal used strategic leadership and guidance to blend two organizations into a cohesive whole.
Watch and Learn How One CU is Putting the Control in the Hands of the Member
April 21, 2016
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Diana Dykstra, CEO of San Francisco Fire Credit Union ($423m, San Francisco, CA) describes their 2007 strategy for demonstrating the credit union difference – allowing members to set their own rates and create their own accounts.
Would You Like a Loan with that?
April 19, 2016
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Outbound calling allows a credit union to personalize the point of contact and can be successful at getting members to increase their relationship with the credit union.
Give Credit Where Credit Is Due
April 19, 2016
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Hear the story of how Wauna Credit Union motivated a member to improve his credit.
X-factors: How can they drive your credit union’s success?
Learn how CES Credit Union ($103M) in Ohio drove 20% organic growth by addressing one X-factor.
What Can Credit Unions Learn from Niche Lenders
One credit union's dedicated focus on a niche market is paying off in double digit loan and share growth.
An Effective Board Recruiting Process
Recruiting new board members is a often a constant priority for many credit unions. Pacific Service Credit Union’s advisory director program serves a “training program” ...
Credit Unions Helping America’s Military Community
The Pentagon Federal Credit Union and its Foundation sponsored a special concert of American patriotic songs by the US ... Supplier Diversity
Veridian encourages diversity not only through its membership, but also through its choices of suppliers.
Financial Education as a Credit Union Differentiator: Interview with A+ FCU
Each credit union's education program is exclusive and should be tailored to fit the unique needs of the membership, community, values and goals. Here is ...
‘Learning a New Language’: Combining Credit Union Cultures in a Merger
Combining cultures can be the sticking point for many merger talks. United Federal used strategic leadership and guidance to blend two organizations into a cohesive ...
Watch and Learn How One CU is Putting the Control in the Hands of the Member
Diana Dykstra, CEO of San Francisco Fire Credit Union ($423m, San Francisco, CA) describes their 2007 strategy for demonstrating the credit ... Would You Like a Loan with that?
Outbound calling allows a credit union to personalize the point of contact and can be successful at getting members to increase their relationship with the ...
Give Credit Where Credit Is Due
Hear the story of how Wauna Credit Union motivated a member to improve his credit.
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.