Frequently Asked Questions
As individual members, we may not have a large impact on community issues; however, collectively and cooperatively, SECU Foundation’s funding method can go a long way toward helping solve problems in our neighborhoods, schools and community, at large.
SECU Foundation’s Board of Directors are inspired by the Credit Union philosophy of “People Helping People”.
The assignment to the SECU Foundation is to demonstrate how your organization, through the members, gives back to the State. It is not a question of need, but a statement of purpose.
We continue to work on lowering SECU costs in many ways such as the Internet, e-Statements and ATMs. The $1.00 checking account maintenance fee has not increased since 1980! We believe we can continue finding ways to lower costs for our members, as well as fund SECU Foundation.
SECU members who do not wish to contribute to the Foundation may choose to continue paying the $1.00 as a maintenance fee (the $1.00 fee will go into the operating fund of SECU). Choosing to opt-out of contributing to SECU Foundation will not discontinue fees altogether. You may opt out of contributing to the Foundation at any time.
To opt out, members may sign in to SECU Member Access and submit their opt out request via Services. Members may also visit their local branch or contact our 24/7 Member Services at (888)732-8562
Yes, members may donate online through their SECU Member Access or send a check to SECU Foundation, PO Box 25966, Raleigh, NC 27611-5966.
We believe it reinforces that the funds are members’ money and our members should receive the recognition. Although the contribution is not tax deductible, the monthly contribution is a source of funding for all projects.
Yes. It's important that projects selected not only reach all areas of North Carolina, but that model projects selected have the ability to be replicated in other North Carolina communities.
An application must be completed for SECU Foundation review. An application may be submitted to SECU Foundation by accessing the grants portal found on the Grants page of this website. The grant portal landing page will provide a description of what we look for in a grant request.
SECU Foundation does not fund projects outside the state of North Carolina. Our grants are directed toward non-profits and governmental organizations that demonstrate the Credit Union philosophy of “People Helping People”; we promote local and community development by funding projects in the areas of housing, education, healthcare, and human services that improve the social and economic condition of public employees in North Carolina.
Grants are limited by SECU Foundation funding. We do not place minimum or maximum restrictions on the amount that may be requested in a grant proposal.
Grants may be submitted any time of the year but will typically be considered on a semi-annual schedule (January and July).
The SECU Foundation People Helping People 4-year scholarship is valued at $10,000 and payable at $1,250 per semester, for a total of eight consecutive semesters. SECU Foundation does not select the recipients of the scholarship. Each LEA (Local Education Agency) or school district has a Scholarship Selection Committee that selects the recipients of the scholarship for the schools within their district. Recipients must be enrolled full-time for the entire eight consecutive semesters at one of the 16 universities in the UNC system. Recipients must continue as full-time students in good standing, with the exception of their final semester before graduating. SECU Foundation will recognize a “senior underloading” policy for students in their last semester prior to graduation, during which students will be considered full-time despite falling below the typical full-time credit hour requirement.
Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, UNC School of the Arts, North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University, UNC at Asheville, UNC at Chapel Hill, UNC at Charlotte, UNC at Greensboro, UNC at Pembroke, UNC at Wilmington, Western Carolina University, and Winston-Salem State University.
All graduating seniors from a North Carolina public high school who are either an SECU member or are eligible for membership through a parent/guardian and otherwise meet the eligibility criteria are considered for the SECU Foundation scholarship. Membership eligibility does not include Local Government Federal Credit Union or NC Press Association Credit Union members. Students attending private schools, being home schooled, going to out-of-state or private universities or residing out-of-state are not eligible for the People Helping People Scholarship. Please note, if selected as a recipient for the scholarship, proof of eligibility will be required.
An application must be completed by the student. Applications may be obtained through the guidance office at the high school. Individual students may not submit information to the SECU Foundation to apply for the scholarship. Recipients are selected by a Scholarship Selection Committee at each LEA. No individual applications are reviewed by the Foundation. Students must contact their individual school’s guidance office to express interest in being considered for the scholarship.
Scholarships are for full-time undergraduate tuition and fees.
Deadlines will vary slightly for application at each high school; please contact your local guidance office for application deadline. LEAs must notify SECU Foundation of the recipient winners no later than April 5, 2024.
SECU Foundation contacts the financial aid office at the 16 UNC-System campuses each semester to verify each recipient’s continued full-time enrollment. Funds are distributed for spring and fall semesters after the registration period for each semester has ended and verification of enrollment is received from each university. Funds are paid directly to each university to be distributed to student accounts for tuition and fees in the amount of $1,250 per semester.
The SECU Foundation will fund study abroad programs and internships only where the courses and professors are sanctioned by the university and the student is considered actively enrolled in the university during their participation. Payment will go to the university.
Scholarships are not transferable to another university without prior approval of the SECU Foundation.
- A written appeal for transfer must be made to SECU Foundation prior to transfer. Appeals may be emailed to secufoundation@ncsecu.org. Please note, if a student transfers to a university outside of the 16 constituent campuses of the UNC System, he or she will no longer be scholarship eligible.
- After the request has been reviewed, the student will be notified in writing regarding the decision made by SECU Foundation. If accepted, confirmation of scholarship funding will also be sent to the university. Please note, SECU Foundation must receive proof of full-time status at the new university before any funds would be disbursed to the school.
No lapse in proper registration, or break in consecutive semesters, will be allowed. Should a student be unable to attend for any reason or their GPA falls below a 2.5, scholarship funding for that semester would be forfeited and it would be the responsibility of the student to contact SECU Foundation directly to advise of their return to full-time status or updated academic standing. The scholarship does not extend beyond the eight consecutive semesters.
SECU Foundation relies on the university to define and determine full-time status. Each semester the financial aid office at the 16 UNC-System university campuses reports to SECU Foundation the enrollment status for each of our scholarship recipients. Students should check with the financial aid office at their university if they have questions regarding enrollment status.
If a student graduates early and enrolls in graduate school at one of the 16 UNC System universities, the student will still be eligible for scholarship payments if they are within their original 8 semesters of eligibility (the student will still need to be considered enrolled full-time as defined by the university and meet the GPA requirement). The student will need to notify SECU Foundation of their early graduation/graduate school enrollment so the Foundation may update its records.
Public sector employees include state, local or federal government, public health, and public education employees who live and work in North Carolina. Preference is to be given to students whose parents or guardians, and family members, are public sector employees who live and work in North Carolina.
Ultimately, SECU Foundation would like for each student awarded the People Helping People scholarship to be able to utilize the full scholarship payment each semester. If a student receives a scholarship that will not allow the People Helping People scholarship to be paid in full, we ask that they not be considered for the scholarship. SECU Foundation does not make decisions on what constitutes a “large” scholarship.
SECU Foundation will award one $10,000 scholarship to each LEA. Additional scholarships will be awarded using a formula based on information provided by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) using the 12th grade average daily membership (ADM) as a percentage of the statewide 12th grade ADM. Please note this number is subject to change from year to year, based on fluctuation of ADM, therefore the number of scholarships awarded each LEA may change from year to year.
The decision made by the Scholarship Selection Committee at each LEA is final and will not be reversed by the Foundation if all requirements, including scholarship eligibility requirements, have been met.
Students should contact the guidance office at their local high school if they have any questions about the scholarship. The guidance counselor will have a point of contact at the LEA that may be reached should the counselor need assistance in answering any questions.
SECU Foundation gives two $5,000 scholarships to students at each North Carolina community college. The 2-year community college scholarship is for $5,000 payable at $1,250 per semester, for up to four consecutive semesters. The student must be enrolled full-time at the same school for all four semesters.
All applicants or full-time students who are high school graduates or have completed the General Education Development (GED) program, enrolled in an associate degree, diploma or certificate program and meet the eligibility criteria are eligible. The eligibility criteria are sent to community college presidents and financial aid officers.
Students must contact their community college Financial Aid Office to express interest in being considered for the scholarship. Recipients are selected by a Scholarship Selection Committee at each community college. No individual "applications" are reviewed by the Foundation.
Scholarships are to be used for tuition, books, fees, course supplies and transportation.
The Scholarship Selection Committee at each community college makes the final decision regarding recipients.
Deadlines may vary slightly at each community college, please contact the individual financial aid office of the community college for application deadlines. Community colleges must notify SECU Foundation of their recipients no later than August 5, 2024.
The financial aid office at each community college must verify each recipient’s continued full-time enrollment and request funds for each semester. Funds are distributed for spring and fall semesters, after the registration period has ended and verification of enrollment is received from each community college. Checks are forwarded to the financial aid office at each community college to be distributed to student accounts for eligible expenses.
Scholarships are non-transferable without prior written approval of the SECU Foundation.
- A written appeal for transfer must be made to SECU Foundation prior to transfer. Appeals may be emailed to secufoundation@ncsecu.org. Please note, no transfers will be allowed to a community college outside of the 58 NC Community Colleges System.
- After the request has been reviewed, the student will be notified in writing regarding the decision made by SECU Foundation. If accepted, confirmation of scholarship funding will also be sent to the community college. Please note, SECU Foundation must receive proof of full-time status at the new community college before any funds will be disbursed to the school.
No lapse in proper registration, or break in consecutive semesters, will be allowed. Should a student be unable to attend for any reason or their GPA falls below a 2.5, scholarship funding for that semester would be forfeited and it would be the responsibility of the student to contact SECU Foundation directly to advise of their return to full-time status or updated academic standing. The scholarship does not extend beyond the four consecutive semesters.
SECU Foundation relies on the community college to define and determine full-time status. Each semester the financial aid office at the 58 community colleges reports to SECU Foundation the enrollment status for each of our scholarship recipients. Students should check with the financial aid office at their community college if they have questions regarding enrollment status.
Students should contact their financial aid office at their local community college if they have any questions about the scholarship.
Public sector includes state and local government employees. Preference is to be given to students whose parents or guardians, and family members, are public sector employees who live and work in North Carolina.