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.
As Consumers Rebel, Credit Unions Can Benefit
April 19, 2016
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Negative headlines about financial institutions are commonplace in our current national climate, but one issue in particular has risen above the din in the last few months.
There’s Nothing Punitive About A Bottom Line Built On Value And Service
April 19, 2016
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Credit unions must continue to build diversified income streams that strike a balance between profit and purpose.
It Takes A Village To Sustain A Village
April 18, 2016
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The best of the best? Whats that mean? Serving everyone is the ultimate sustainable model for capitalism and for credit unions, the original crowdfunders.
CECL Challenges And Opportunities
April 14, 2016
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The new accounting standard from FASB presents challenges and opportunities to credit unions and CUSOs.
The Year Of Living Dangerously
April 13, 2016
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Introducing monthly dues was a risky move for Arizona Federal. Yet one year later, the credit union has a more engaged membership as a result.
A Time For CUSOs
April 13, 2016
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NACUSO conference points up innovative opportunities, regulatory challenges for collaborative entrepreneurship in the credit union model.
First Quarter 2008 Return Of The Member Scores
April 12, 2016
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Credit unions exist to serve members, and the Return of the Member (ROM) scoring system is designed to measure how well credit unions live up to this task.
What is the Member’s Right to Know?
April 8, 2016
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Disclosing executive salaries is not a regulatory issue; rather, it can be a marketplace advantage. Keeping compensation private only suggests that credit unions have something to hide.
The Power of Data
April 7, 2016
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Quantitative facts covering almost every aspect of credit union activity are abundant—and becoming even more plentiful. Many users of data are seeking answers. The issues range from the general, “How-am-I-doing?” to the specific, such as “Should-Iraise-my-NSF-fee?”
Management Classic: Controlling The Wind
April 7, 2016
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A hang gliding anecdote from Jim Blaine, CEO of State Employees Credit Union, offers insight into what it takes for a credit union to truly take off.
As Consumers Rebel, Credit Unions Can Benefit
Negative headlines about financial institutions are commonplace in our current national climate, but one issue in particular has risen above the din in the last ...
There’s Nothing Punitive About A Bottom Line Built On Value And Service
Credit unions must continue to build diversified income streams that strike a balance between profit and purpose.
CECL Challenges And Opportunities
The new accounting standard from FASB presents challenges and opportunities to credit unions and CUSOs.
The Year Of Living Dangerously
Introducing monthly dues was a risky move for Arizona Federal. Yet one year later, the credit union has a more engaged membership as a result.
A Time For CUSOs
NACUSO conference points up innovative opportunities, regulatory challenges for collaborative entrepreneurship in the credit union model.
First Quarter 2008 Return Of The Member Scores
Credit unions exist to serve members, and the Return of the Member (ROM) scoring system is designed to measure how well credit unions live up ...
What is the Member’s Right to Know?
Disclosing executive salaries is not a regulatory issue; rather, it can be a marketplace advantage. Keeping compensation private only suggests that credit unions have something ...
The Power of Data
Quantitative facts covering almost every aspect of credit union activity are abundant—and becoming even more plentiful. Many users of data are seeking answers. The issues ...
Management Classic: Controlling The Wind
A hang gliding anecdote from Jim Blaine, CEO of State Employees Credit Union, offers insight into what it takes for a credit union to truly ...
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.
It Takes A Village To Sustain A Village