SECU Foundation

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SECU Foundation

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 200

4, 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.

06/11/2026

SECU Foundation volunteers recently provided helping hands to Food Bank of the Albemarle and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC, packing more than 360 food boxes and sorting 7,500 pounds of donations.

Working tirelessly to increase food security in their communities, the two food banks serve a combined 33 North Carolina counties. They are among many hunger relief non-profits across the state that recently received support from SECU Foundation’s $500,000 grant to Feeding the Carolinas, which assists local food banks in both North and South Carolina.

05/18/2026

It was a meaningful day with Healing Transitions as SECU Foundation celebrated their $1 million challenge grant and joined the groundbreaking for a women’s transitional housing complex in Wake County that will help program graduates continue moving forward in their recovery.

This $1 million grant builds on SECU Foundation’s continued support of Healing Transitions, following a $500,000 grant awarded in 2021. We are proud to support their mission and see their impact firsthand.

05/14/2026

SECU Foundation’s People Helping People® Community College Scholarship provides up to $5,000 to selected NC community college students who are making meaningful impacts in their communities, exhibiting leadership, excellence of character, and integrity.

If that sounds like someone you know, encourage them to contact their school’s financial aid office for more information about applying, requirements, and deadlines.

Applicants should be North Carolina residents who are full-time students at one of the state's 58 community colleges and be working towards a two-year associate degree, diploma, or certificate program.

05/13/2026

SECU Foundation and State Employees' Credit Union volunteers recently planted nearly 10,000 seedlings at the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle in Wake County. After they’re harvested, the beet, chard, and lettuce plants will be distributed to Inter-Faith’s partners across seven counties to provide nutritious food options to those in need.

Inter-Faith Food Shuttle takes an educational approach to increasing food security, not only distributing food but also teaching gardening and culinary skills. The organization recently received support from SECU Foundation’s $500,000 grant to Feeding the Carolinas.

SECU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members and federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). The SECU Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization funded by the contributions of SECU members, promotes local community development in North Carolina primarily through high-impact projects in the areas of housing, education, healthcare, and human services.

05/12/2026

SECU Foundation had the opportunity to connect and celebrate with several organizations working to improve the quality of life for their neighbors, presenting $40,000 grants to Bountiful Cities, Burke United Christian Ministries and WNC Alliance

Each non-profit received a Mission Development Grant that will assist with program expansion and leadership development, helping them expand and deepen their reach in their communities.

05/11/2026

SECU Foundation helped celebrate the opening of the SECU Women’s Recovery Center at Samaritan Colony in Rockingham, NC. Supported by a $1 million grant awarded in 2021, the new facility expands access to care and serves as a home for North Carolinians on their recovery journeys.

Helping organizations that deliver treatment and care in a supportive environment remains central to our work and reflects our commitment to People Helping People®.

05/10/2026

SECU Foundation is supporting access to essential resources and stable housing for North Carolinians through a $40,000 Mission Development Grant to 4 Day Movement, Inc.

4 Day Movement feeds and shelters underserved, displaced populations in Wayne County to help them achieve stability and break the cycles of poverty. The funding is a continuation of SECU Foundation’s commitment to helping non-profits build capacity and fulfill their missions.

05/08/2026

Every day, organizations across the state work to meet critical needs in our communities. SECU Foundation’s Mission Development Conference creates opportunities for that impact to grow, bringing together grant recipients for learning and collaboration.

Through the conference, Mission Development Grant recipients engage with expert consultants and take part in sessions on topics ranging from leadership development, engaging marketing and storytelling, financial management, and more.

We are always grateful to spend time with our grant recipients and are excited to see their organizations flourish.

04/21/2026

Volunteers from State Employees' Credit Union and SECU Foundation recently spent the day serving their communities at food banks in Raleigh and Asheville, sorting over 33,000 pounds of donations at MANNA FoodBank and Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina.

MANNA FoodBank and Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC collectively serve 50 counties and recently received funding support after SECU Foundation awarded a $500,000 grant to Feeding the Carolinas to help increase food security across the state.

04/16/2026

Each SECU Foundation grantmaking session gives us the opportunity to make a difference for North Carolinians, and we are excited to announce the first round of funding for 2026!

In our January session, we committed over $9 million to 23 non-profits that are working to improve the lives of our friends and neighbors.

Learn more about the grantees:https://www.ncsecu.org/pdfs/newsroom/press-releases/2026/february/SECU%20Foundation%20Release_January%20Grantmaking_021626.pdf

Address

Raleigh, NC

Website

https://www.ncsecufoundation.org/

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