The State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation just spread nearly $6 million across 23 North Carolina nonprofits, proving once again that local organizations doing the hard work can still catch a break.
These aren’t random handouts, either. The Foundation’s Board of Directors carefully selected groups tackling the stuff that actually matters—affordable housing, healthcare access, education, and basic human services. And get this: these 23 organizations collectively serve communities in all 100 North Carolina counties. Every single one.
This latest round of funding brings SECU Foundation’s total giving since 2004 to a whopping $352 million. Yeah, you read that right. That’s more than a third of a billion dollars funneled back into communities across the state.
Where the Money’s Going
“Each of these non-profits is making a meaningful difference in their community, providing support for those who need it most,” said Mona Moon, SECU Foundation Board Chair. She’s not exaggerating. The approved grants range from $40,000 up to $2 million, targeting everything from food insecurity to workforce development.
Moon also gave credit where it’s due: “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.” Translation? Regular people chipping in monthly are funding these big wins.
The Heavy Hitters
Let’s talk about the major grants that’ll move the needle:
Habitat for Humanity Greater Raleigh scored a $2 million interest-free loan for affordable housing development in Garner. That’s part of their Building Dreams Planting Seeds initiative, and interest-free means every dollar goes further.
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association and Resourceful Communities are splitting $1 million to tackle food insecurity. Their mission? Get fresh, nutrient-dense food to people who need it most. Not processed stuff—the real deal.
Kintegra Health in Gastonia received $750,000 to expand a Federally Qualified Health Center that serves underinsured and uninsured folks across 17 counties. Because healthcare shouldn’t be a luxury.
The Harvest Center of Charlotte got a $500,000 challenge grant to expand supportive housing. They’re providing stable interim housing with coordinated services that help people transition to permanent homes instead of bouncing between emergency systems.
North Carolina Association of Free & Charitable Clinics received $500,000 for a pilot program bringing primary and preventative healthcare to rural areas through innovative delivery models. Rural North Carolina has been underserved for too long—this could change that.
North Carolina Community Colleges Foundation also received $500,000 for the Good Jobs Initiative. This pilot program connects western North Carolina community college students with jobs offering family-sustaining wages, supporting economic recovery after Hurricane Helene devastated the region.
The Mission Development Grants
Sixteen organizations received $40,000 grants through SECU Foundation’s Mission Development Grant program. Think of these as capacity-building grants—money that helps nonprofits strengthen their foundation so they can expand programs and keep the lights on long-term.
Here’s the full list of MDG recipients:
- Gates County Housing Committee
- Pocosin Arts
- Richmond County Rescue Mission
- REACH of Haywood County
- American Children’s Home
- The Haven of Transylvania County
- Albemarle Alliance for Children and Families
- A Safe Place Empowerment Network
- Hyde County Hotline, Inc.
- Building Hope Community Life Center
- NC FIELD
- Koinonia Community Solutions
- Duplin Christian Outreach Ministries
- Project Light Rowan
- The Open Door Food Pantry of Perquimans County
- North Carolina Black Repertory Company
These organizations represent all eight of North Carolina’s economic development regions, which means no corner of the state gets left behind. From the mountains to the coast, there’s help happening.