Grants
SECU Foundation funds non-profit projects and initiatives that strengthen communities across North Carolina and demonstrate the Credit Union philosophy of People Helping People through three primary grant programs.
For a list of past and current projects supported by SECU Foundation, view Our Work.
Capital Grants
Capital grants support new construction or large-scale renovation of facilities that provide direct services to the communities they serve. Eligible projects must:
- Be tangible, permanent, and visible in the community
- Support a facility that provides direct services in the region/community rather than administrative functions
- Have a total grant request that does not exceed 30% of the total project budget
- Include prominent naming or recognition of Foundation support
Programmatic Grants
Programmatic grants fund pilot programs or large-scale expansions that deliver regional or statewide services. Eligible projects must:
- Have an established proof of concept or evidence-based model
- Include clear objectives, a detailed implementation strategy, and a plan for sustainability and evaluation
- Demonstrate regional reach, with preference given to statewide impact
- Have a total grant request that does not exceed 30% of the total project budget
Mission Development Grants
Mission Development Grants support smaller non-profits in building organizational capacity through assessment, goal setting, and strategic planning for long-term sustainability. Prioritized nonprofits will:
- Be located in a Tier 1 county, rural community, or underfunded region
- Provide direct services in housing, healthcare, education, or human services
- Operate with an annual budget between $100,000 and $1.5 million
- Have been in operation for between 3 and 10 years, or be navigating a leadership transition
- Be located in a county with limited prior SECU Foundation grant support
Project Selection
Across high-impact grant programs, SECU Foundation gives preference to projects that:
- Demonstrate regional or statewide impact and have potential to serve as a model for replication in other North Carolina communities
- Are tangible and permanent in nature — the Foundation does not fund operational budgets or budget shortfalls. Event sponsorships are not within our scope of funding.
- Are led by non-profit organizations or foundations — the Foundation does not fund for-profit organizations, government agencies, or places of worship
- Improve the social and economic conditions of North Carolina residents and public employees
- Strengthen partnerships across the non-profit and philanthropic community