35 North Carolina Nonprofits Award $3 Million in Grants From SECU Foundation
This gift follows an earlier commitment by the foundation of $10 million in local COVID-19 relief efforts.
The SECU Foundation said it has provided more than $3 million in grants to 35 nonprofits in North Carolina, part of a wide-ranging coronavirus-relief effort.
Grant beneficiaries included nonprofits focused on hospice care, health care centers, domestic violence and homeless shelters, and addiction recovery centers, SECU Foundation said in a statement.
“Because the SECU Foundation has been active since its inception in the communities served by State Employees’ Credit Union, we understand the challenges these widespread organizations are facing to maintain viability in light of sharply increased demands for resources,” Jo Anne Sanford, SECU Foundation board chair, said. “We care deeply about the great service these non-profits provide, and we intend for these grants to help solidify these organizations and their support of our communities across North Carolina.”
The grants were the latest phase of COVID-19 relief efforts by the SECU Foundation and State Employees’ Credit Union, which earlier committed $10 million — split between the two entities — to assist relief and recovery in North Carolina. The first and second phases were focused on emergency services. The SECU Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that is funded by SECU members’ contributions. The Raleigh-based SECU has $45 billion in assets and more than 2.5 million members.
Selene Johnson, ABC of NC’s executive director, which received a grant, said in a statement: “While we are again providing services — safely and responsibly — in the SECU Autism Clinic, the months that we were closed were incredibly difficult for the organization and for the children and families we serve. This generous operations grant allows us to continue meeting our mission in the midst of the uncertainty of COVID-19.”
Katrina Knight, executive director of the Good Shepherd Center, said she was “deeply grateful” for the SECU Foundation’s grant.
“We are committed to continuing to respond to the needs of our hungry and homeless neighbors during these challenging times, and doing everything possible to keep our guests, volunteers and staff safe, while also doing our part to slow the spread of any illness in our community,” Knight said. “The COVID-19 relief and operational support from the SECU Foundation will do so much for so many. They are truly transforming lives.”