SECU Foundation continues its efforts to build community sustainability through a new round of capacity building grants recently awarded to 14 non-profits through its Mission Development Grant (MDG) program. Grant recipients will each begin their two-year journey to strengthen their organization with $40,000 in funding and an experienced consultant to help meet future goals and needs within their community.

The MDG program began in 2017 as a capacity building pilot, and since then, has been filling a critical gap for many North Carolina non-profits seeking help to advance their mission of serving others. More recently, SECU Foundation added an educational element to the program for grantees beyond funding by hosting conferences with a network of professionals and consulting resources to further support their needs. Program giving to date totals nearly $3 million, providing 73 North Carolina non-profits the opportunity to increase their reach and impact with life-changing programs and services for children, adults, and families experiencing social and economic hardships.

“The impact of this program has been incredible and reinforces the basic needs for capacity building among non-profits across the state,” said Jama Campbell, SECU Foundation executive director. “There’s no greater feeling of accomplishment than being able to bring people together who understand and are dedicated to meeting the varied needs of communities. Together, our actions are living out the philosophy of People Helping People® to help bring about positive and lasting change in the health and well-being of others.”

Grantees representing 11 North Carolina counties include:

• Caring Services – Guilford County

• YWCA High Point – Guilford County

• Creative Corridors Coalition – Forsyth County

• Youth Collaborative – Forsyth County

• Generations Family Services – Wake County

• The City of Refuge Foundation – Nash County

• S.a.M. Child Advocacy Center – Vance County

• Zebulon Downtown Arts Council – Wake County

• Richmond Interagency Transportation – Richmond County

• Sandhills Family Heritage Association – Cumberland County

• Pamlico Partnership for Children – Pamlico County

• The Filling Station – Jones County

• Bath High School Preservation – Beaufort County

• Center for Science, Technology, and Leadership Development – Pitt County

Several grantees expressed their gratitude and shared how the grant will strengthen their organization:

• Forsyth County: Youth Collaborative (YC) Co-Executive Director Terra Lataille said, “We are incredibly thankful for SECU Foundation choosing to partner with us. This Mission Development Grant will allow our staff to strengthen the services that are offered to our youth, which will in return afford them more opportunities and increase their success.”

• Cumberland County: Sandhills Family Heritage Association (SFHA) Board Chair Janet Brower said, “SFHA is excited to receive the Mission Development Grant, which will be used for organizational capacity building. Our goal – as a result of training, leadership development, and expansion of programming – is to achieve greater impact in the Sandhills communities we serve.”

• Pamlico County: Pamlico Partnership for Children (PPC) Executive Director Susan Bridgeman said, “We are thrilled to receive the grant, which will strengthen our organizational effectiveness and sustainability through several areas of focus – staff and board development, fundraising, strategic planning, and improved marketing strategies. The investment will ultimately enhance our impact, which benefits the families, children, and the Pamlico County community.”

• Pitt County: The Center for Science, Technology, and Leadership Development (CSTLD) CEO Dr. Garrie W. Moore said, “This grant will be used to build sustainability and address the rapid growth of the Center. Our expected outcomes will include a solid plan for sustainability and a capital campaign plan specifically for our Center. This is the first time we have received a grant exclusively for capacity building and we are very excited to get the process started.”