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.
4 Ways To Ensure A Successful Brand After A Credit Union Merger
April 7, 2016
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Concentrate on four key merger elements that take into account all stakeholders.
Rebrand And Make The Credit Union Relevant To The Members And Communities
April 7, 2016
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The need for member connection is vital, so any changes should complement the credit union’s brand and mission.
Rebrand And Rename, But First Find Common Core Values
April 7, 2016
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A rebranding effort has to be driven by values, so find out what similarities make the credit unions stand out in their communities.
6 Insights From NACUSO’s 2014 Next Big Idea Winner
April 5, 2016
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nCino CEO Pierre Naudé, winner of NACUSO’s Next Big Idea competition, talks his system, lending opportunities at credit unions, and cloud-based computing at financial institutions.
Work Hard, Play Hard
April 5, 2016
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10 credit union leaders in revenue per employee.
The Power Of Storytelling
April 5, 2016
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Credit unions need to recognize the power in their members’ stories as a way to communicate the credit union difference.
Swipe Local And Save
April 5, 2016
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A lower rate for in-state credit card purchases helps VSECU boost its product usage and gives members a grassroots outlet for activism.
Build A Successful Strategy On Cooperative Ideals
April 5, 2016
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Cooperative businesses have a foothold in sectors ranging from commercial sales and marketing to social and public services.
Credit Unions Provide VITA(L) Help In These Taxing Times
March 30, 2016
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Cooperatives across the land are continuing the tradition of offering tax preparation services for free this year, and if a member gets a little financial wellness help along the way as April 15 nears, all the better.
How To Turn A Good Member Experience Into A Great One
March 28, 2016
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In the increasingly competitive world of consumer experience, delivering a good member experience isn’t good enough. At Orange County’s Credit Union, the entire organization aligns to ease pain points.
4 Ways To Ensure A Successful Brand After A Credit Union Merger
Concentrate on four key merger elements that take into account all stakeholders.
Rebrand And Make The Credit Union Relevant To The Members And Communities
The need for member connection is vital, so any changes should complement the credit union’s brand and mission.
Rebrand And Rename, But First Find Common Core Values
A rebranding effort has to be driven by values, so find out what similarities make the credit unions stand out in their communities.
6 Insights From NACUSO’s 2014 Next Big Idea Winner
nCino CEO Pierre Naudé, winner of NACUSO’s Next Big Idea competition, talks his system, lending opportunities at credit unions, and cloud-based computing at financial institutions.
The Power Of Storytelling
Credit unions need to recognize the power in their members' stories as a way to communicate the credit union difference.
Swipe Local And Save
A lower rate for in-state credit card purchases helps VSECU boost its product usage and gives members a grassroots outlet for activism.
Build A Successful Strategy On Cooperative Ideals
Cooperative businesses have a foothold in sectors ranging from commercial sales and marketing to social and public services.
Credit Unions Provide VITA(L) Help In These Taxing Times
Cooperatives across the land are continuing the tradition of offering tax preparation services for free this year, and if a member gets a little financial ...
How To Turn A Good Member Experience Into A Great One
In the increasingly competitive world of consumer experience, delivering a good member experience isn’t good enough. At Orange County's Credit Union, the entire organization aligns ...
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.