When a credit union foundation writes checks totaling more than $200,000, you know someone’s doing something right.
The Coastal Credit Union Foundation just wrapped up its second quarter by distributing grants to 20 nonprofit organizations across central North Carolina—and these aren’t just feel-good handshakes. This is strategic money going to groups that are genuinely moving the needle on real problems.
Here’s the bigger picture: with this round of funding, the Foundation has now invested over $500,000 so far this year. That’s half a million dollars flowing into programs tackling food security, financial literacy, workforce development, housing challenges, community services, and support for kids and families. Not exactly small potatoes.
Who Got Funded (And Why It Matters)
The grant recipients read like a who’s who of organizations actually getting their hands dirty in the community. We’re talking about groups like POWER, Inc. Community, 100 Black Men Triangle East, A Place at the Table, Boys & Girls Clubs, and the Kramden Institute—plus 15 others including Endless Sports, United Arts Wake County, Artspace, Open Table Ministry, SAGE, Money Box Academy, Community Music School, Dereck Whittenburg Foundation, SouthLight Healthcare, NC Museum of Art Foundation, Leadership Triangle, NeighborHealth Center, Velle Cares Foundation, Oak City Cares, and Band Together.
What ties them together? They’re all addressing the kind of challenges that don’t get solved with a one-time donation and a photo op. These organizations are in it for the long haul, creating genuine opportunities for people and families to build better lives.
“Every grant represents an investment in people and in the organizations working every day to build stronger, healthier communities,” said Emily Nail, Executive Director of the Coastal Credit Union Foundation. “Our nonprofit partners are addressing real needs with innovative solutions, and we’re proud to support their work as they create lasting impact across North Carolina.”
Want In? Applications Are Open Right Now
If you’re running a nonprofit in the area, listen up: the Foundation is currently accepting applications for its next round of Community Grants through August 31. Here’s what you need to qualify:
- You must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
- You need an active board of directors
- You must have an annual operating budget
The application itself takes about 30 minutes to complete—that’s less time than your average Netflix episode. Just make sure you’re registered as a Champion for Change first, then use the password Coastal24 to access the application.
Bottom line? This is what smart community investment looks like. Not random acts of charity, but calculated bets on organizations that know how to turn dollars into actual change.