Coastal Credit Union and the Coastal Credit Union Foundation have earned four awards from the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation’s statewide awards program, recognizing remarkable and innovative efforts to support communities, provide financial education, and implement the credit union philosophy in daily operations.
Three awards honor three credit union pioneers who made a lasting impact on the worldwide credit union movement:
Alphonse Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award
1st Place – Coastal Credit Union
Project: Reality Series: Empowering Financial Futures
Through interactive simulations, games, and hands-on learning, Coastal educated over 5,700 students across 14 counties in 2024. This free program helps youth understand budgeting, savings, credit, and financial independence, setting the next generation up for success.
Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award
1st Place – Coastal Credit Union Foundation
Project: Nourishing Communities: Coastal & Ripe for Revival Mobile Market
This initiative brought fresh produce, protein, dairy, and shelf-stable goods to underserved communities across 15 counties in North Carolina, distributing over 38,000 pounds of food and serving more than 21,000 individuals with over 342,000 servings of food. The mobile market also offered job training and life skills through a commercial cooking kitchen, exemplifying our deep concern for community and cooperative values.
Louise Herring Philosophy in Action Award
Honorable Mention – Coastal Credit Union
Project: Coastal Appreciation Days
These community events connect members with local nonprofits, offer free financial checkups, health screenings, and access to resources like food pantries and professional clothing. With over 45 employees involved, Coastal Appreciation Days foster meaningful relationships and demonstrate our commitment to cooperative principles and inclusive service.
In addition, the Coastal, Civic, SECU, and Carolinas Credit Union Foundations were jointly recognized with a Partner in Philanthropy Award for their collaboration on the Credit Union Philanthropy Summit. The Summit is a transformative program dedicated to advancing nonprofits through professional development, networking, and capacity building. By offering educational sessions, practical resources, and opportunities for collaboration, the event has become a vital platform for empowering leaders and strengthening communities, exemplifying the commitment of credit union foundations to inspire positive change and foster lasting impact.
“We are honored to be recognized by the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation again this year for our efforts in financial education, community service, and credit union philosophy,” said Tyler Grodi, Coastal’s President & CEO. “These awards reflect our commitment to making a positive impact in the communities we serve.”
Coastal was honored at the Foundation’s Awards Gala on February 11, held in conjunction with the Carolinas Credit Union League’s LAUNCH Conference.