SECU Foundation

Home
United States
Raleigh, NC
SECU Foundation

Directions Website

Serving NC by addressing community issues with the collective impact of SECU member contributions. What is SECU Foundation’s purpose?

The purpose of the SECU Foundation is to identify and address community issues in North Carolina that are beyond the normal scope of the Credit Union. Through the collective impact of SECU member contributions, the Foundation has committed over $235 million in scholarships, grants, and loans since 2004. What is the connection between State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) and SECU Foundation? In 2004, the SECU Foundation was established as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization funded by the contributions of SECU members to help identify and address community issues and promote local and community development in NC. From the beginning, SECU Foundation initiatives have allowed the Credit Union and its members to demonstrate the cooperative’s “People Helping People®” philosophy in a powerful and profound way. How does SECU Foundation receive funding? SECU Foundation receives funding from the $1.00 per month maintenance fee that SECU members pay on their checking accounts. Having the individual member make the contribution enforces the core concept of SECU as a member-owned cooperative. Projects will be funded by the SECU Foundation through “member-owners of SECU,” not by the Credit Union. Therefore, credit for the projects will rightfully be awarded to the SECU members making the contributions. What types of organizations are eligible to receive an SECU Foundation grant? SECU Foundation grants are directed toward non-profits and governmental organizations that demonstrate the Credit Union philosophy of People Helping People®. Preference is given to projects that have a statewide, or major regional, impact, and may serve as a model for replication in other communities. Projects must fit into the Foundation’s funding areas of housing, education, healthcare, and human services, and serve NC communities. Previously funded projects can be found here: https://www.ncsecufoundation.org/Projects/ProjectsOverview.html

How can my organization apply for an SECU Foundation grant? The Foundation accepts grant letters of interest on a rolling basis and the Board generally reviews and approves requests in January and July. Please review the project selection considerations and the Grant Letter of Interest on our website: https://www.ncsecufoundation.org/Grants/Grants.html

How do I apply for an SECU Foundation scholarship? Information about SECU Foundation scholarships can be found here: https://www.ncsecufoundation.org/Projects/Scholarships.html. Eligible students should visit their high school guidance office (for the People Helping People® 4-year high school scholarship) or their community college financial aid office (for the People Helping People® 2-year community college scholarship or Bridge to Career program) for scholarship details. Where can I direct questions I have about SECU Foundation? You can view more FAQ’s on our website: https://www.ncsecufoundation.org/FAQs/FAQs.html or email [email protected] with additional questions.

10/06/2026

SECU Foundation welcomed hospitality house partners from across the state to a networking lunch focused on collaboration, shared challenges, and the future of hospitality-based care in North Carolina.

The gathering brought together representatives from SECU Family House at Chapel Hill, SECU Family House at Winston-Salem, SECU Family House at Wilmington, and SECU Caring House, alongside partners serving Asheville, Charlotte, and Pinehurst. Together, these organizations provide a home away from home for patients and families facing serious illness and long-term medical care.

We began funding hospitality houses over 20 years ago and recognized the critical support they provide for so many families. The Foundation is proud to support this network of hospitality houses and the vital role they play in easing the burden on North Carolina families during difficult times.

SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals, SECU Family House- Winston Salem, Caring House

10/01/2026

Public Fellows Interns at Fayetteville State University, NC State University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, East Carolina University, and Elizabeth City State University recently wrapped up an impactful summer of service, gaining hands-on experience while giving back to the community.

These universities are among the 16 institutions across North Carolina that host the SECU Public Fellows Internship (PFI) program, which connects undergraduate students with paid internships at local organizations across the state.

We congratulate this year's PFI cohorts on the completion of their internships and thank the host sites and university partners who help make this program possible.

09/28/2026

SECU Foundation has awarded a $250,000 grant to PBS North Carolina in support of Homegrown History, a multiyear public history initiative exploring the state's rich past. The project will create community engagement events across North Carolina, new broadcast and digital content about local history, and educational resources for students and teachers statewide.

Homegrown History's inaugural year will focus on North Carolina's history in the American Revolution,
commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. The initiative invites North Carolinians in all 100 counties to share their own local history and family stories, helping shape new content that reflects the full breadth of the state's past.

This grant reflects the Foundation's continued commitment to partnering with organizations that share stories about the unique history and diverse communities across our great state.

09/17/2026

SECU Foundation joined community leaders, partners, and supporters to celebrate the dedication of One Place’s new campus in Onslow County — the SECU Hope Center. This state-of-the-art facility will provide resources for child advocacy, mental health assistance, childcare support, and abuse prevention for youth and families. The SECU Hope Center will expand One Place's reach and allow them to serve more families in need. Congratulations on this important milestone!

One Place previously received a Mission Development Grant from the Foundation to support its campaign efforts, followed by a $2 million challenge grant for their new campus construction. These investments reflect the Foundation's commitment to strengthening organizations that deliver critical resources to individuals and families across North Carolina.

09/15/2026

Non-profits throughout North Carolina are strengthening communities across our state, and SECU Foundation is proud to support them in their vital work.

Nearly $6 million in funding was approved for organizations serving all 100 counties, supporting initiatives ranging from improving food security to workforce development to affordable healthcare.

Learn more about the grantees:https://www.ncsecu.org/pdfs/newsroom/press-releases/2026/august/Press%20Release_SECU%20Foundation_July%20Grantmaking.pdf

09/10/2026

SECU Foundation joined UNC Pembroke (UNCP) to recognize their 2026 group of Public Fellows during a special celebration on campus. Over this past summer, 20 UNCP students gained meaningful, hands-on public service experience across non-profits, local governments, and small businesses, deepening their commitment to strengthening communities across North Carolina.

The Foundation proudly supports programs that prepare students for careers in public service and remains grateful for its continued partnership with UNCP and the 15 other UNC System universities in cultivating the next generation of civic leaders.

09/08/2026

SECU Foundation is pleased to support WhirliDogs Café and Training Center in Wilson County with a $40,000 Mission Development Grant.

WhirliDogs empowers young adults with disabilities through meaningful job training and inclusive work experience. The Foundation’s investment will help strengthen their marketing, fundraising, and leadership capacity to ensure their important work continues long into the future, creating more opportunities to serve their community.

09/03/2026

Since 2005, SECU Foundation's People Helping People® High School Scholarship Program has invested more than $83 million across North Carolina’s 100 counties for students pursuing their educational goals at one of our state's 16 public universities.

Behind every dollar is a story. Hear from past and current scholarship recipients Dre Jordan, Anika Kreider, and Leslie De Jesus about what this program has meant for their university experience — and beyond.

09/01/2026

SECU Foundation recently joined Lead for North Carolina for their summer reception, celebrating the new cohort of Fellows who are dedicating their talents to public service across our state.

Lead for NC has placed over 200 young professionals with local governments in North Carolina — connecting recent college graduates with the most pressing issues facing our state. Their work has helped increase capacity, strengthen rural communities, and create new partnerships.

The Foundation has proudly supported this program since 2019, and we are grateful for the opportunity to invest in the next generation of North Carolina’s leaders.

08/27/2026

SECU Foundation presented a $40,000 Mission Development Grant to Mount Jubilee Ministries, a Rockingham County non-profit offering day programs, summer camps, and other community opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Mount Jubilee Ministries plans to use the grant to support fundraising, leadership development, and staff and volunteer training as they prepare for a capital campaign for a residential community to foster connection, vocational training, and independence for their clients. We are pleased to support their work as they expand and sustain their services into the future.

Address

Raleigh, NC

Website

https://www.ncsecufoundation.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when SECU Foundation posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your organization to be the top-listed non profit organization in Raleigh?