CHARLOTTE, N.C.–The SECU Foundation has been named a recipient of the 2024 Carolinas Credit Union Foundation (CCUF) Hero Award for Partner in Philanthropy.

The award honors the Foundation’s commitment and practices that exude philanthropic character and affirm the credit unionPeople Helping People philosophy, the organization said. 

Established in 2004, SECU Foundation was created to help identify and address large scale community issues in the areas of education, housing, healthcare, and human services. It now stands as the largest charitable organization in the credit union industry and recently celebrated 20 years of impactful giving with commitments exceeding $300 million in grants, scholarships, and loans to benefit North Carolinians in all 100 counties of the state.

“The funding for SECU Foundation is unique. State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) members who have an active SECU checking account may choose to contribute through the reallocation of their $1 monthly maintenance fee,” the credit union said. “Over 99% of those members participate in this concept referred to as The Power of a Dollar.”

“We are honored to receive this award from the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation,” said SECU Foundation Board Chair Chris Ayers. “I am always amazed by the impact one dollar a month can have in addressing community needs throughout our great state. We are pleased to partner with many wonderful non-profits that embody our People Helping People philosophy, and we are incredibly thankful for the generosity of SECU members that enables our Foundation to continue making a transformative impact for the people of our state.”