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RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation has awarded nearly $6 million in grants to more than 20 nonprofits in North Carolina, the credit union said Wednesday.
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Approved by the foundation’s Board of Directors, according to SECU, the grants are intended to help 23 state nonprofits advance their missions and expand their programs, which include increasing healthcare access, reducing food insecurity, aiding workforce development, and providing affordable housing.
According to SECU, grants range from $40,000 to $2 million.
The largest grant, a $2 million interest-free loan, was awarded to Habitat for Humanity Greater Raleigh for an affordable housing development in Garner. The development is part of the nonprofit’s Building Dreams Planting Seeds Initiative, according to SECU.
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SECU said grants were also awarded to the following nonprofits:
- Carolina Farm Stewardship Association and Resourceful Communities, which were awarded a total of $1 million as they collaborate to address rising food insecurity by helping increase access to fresh and nutritional food across the state
- Kintegra Health in Gastonia, which was awarded a $750,000 grant to support the expansion of a federally-qualified health center that will serve underinsured and uninsured residents in 17 counties
- The Harvest Center of Charlotte, which was awarded a $500,000 challenge grant to expand their supportive housing development that provides stable interim housing and coordinated services while reducing the need for emergency systems and supporting the transition into permanent homes
- North Carolina Association of Free & Charitable Clinics, which was awarded a $500,000 grant to support a pilot program seeking to increase healthcare access to primary and preventative healthcare by using delivery models in the state’s rural areas
- North Carolina Community Colleges Foundation, which was awarded a $500,000 grant to support the Good Jobs Initiative pilot program that will connect community college students in the western region to jobs with wages to support families and help the area’s economy recover after Hurricane Helene in 2024
According to SECU, 16 nonprofits were awarded a $40,000 grant through the Mission Development Grant program, which helps nonprofits build the capacity to expand their programs and sustain their organizations:
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- A Safe Place Empowerment Network
- Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families
- American Children’s Home
- Building Hope Community Life Center
- Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries
- Gates County Housing Committee
- Hyde County Hotline, Inc.
- Koinonia Community Solutions
- NC FIELD
- North Carolina Black Repertory Company
- Pocosin Arts
- Protect Light Rowan
- REACH of Haymond County
- Richmond County Rescue Mission
- The Haven of Transylvania County
- The Open Door Food Pantry of Perquimans County
“Each of these non-profits is making a meaningful difference in their community, providing support for those who need it most,” SECU Foundation Board Chair Mona Moon said in a statement. “Whether it’s bringing quality, accessible healthcare to rural regions or helping families put nutritious food on the table, each organization is improving the quality of life for the people of our state.
“We are grateful to SECU members whose generosity makes it possible for the Foundation to put dollars back into our communities through their monthly contributions,” Moon continued in her statement.
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