SECU Foundation
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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.
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.
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.
08/25/2026
Access to quality, affordable healthcare is vital, especially in rural communities where resources are limited. SECU Foundation recently awarded a $750,000 challenge grant to Mountain Community Health Partnership to support construction of a new integrated healthcare clinic in Spruce Pine, NC. The facility will consolidate primary care, behavioral health, and pharmacy services together under one roof, making care more accessible and seamless.
Serving a six-county region in Western North Carolina, the organization will use this expansion to help increase access to affordable healthcare while creating new job opportunities. We are pleased to support them as they meet healthcare needs in their community.
08/21/2026
Across our state, non-profits are making a difference for their friends and neighbors. SECU Foundation recently awarded $40,000 capacity building grants to three organizations to support their vital work in Eastern North Carolina: Carolina Rebuilding Ministry, Center for Energy Education, and North Carolina for Military Employment - NC4ME.
The non-profits will use the funds to expand their reach and continue making positive impacts in their communities. We look forward to supporting them as part of our Mission Development Grant program.
08/13/2026
Access to quality child care is crucial to sustaining a community and helping it grow. SECU Foundation recently awarded Yadkin County Economic Development Partnership a $40,000 grant to support the non-profit's capital campaign to build Mama Jewell's ChildPlex in northwestern North Carolina.
The Mission Development Grant reflects SECU Foundation's commitment to strengthening communities and promoting economic development across the state.
08/11/2026
SECU Foundation would like to send our best wishes to all the People Helping People® scholarship recipients as they begin the 2026-2027 school year. We can’t wait to see everything that you accomplish and are proud to support you on this journey!
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