Celebration recognizes scholarship and grant recipients, partners and volunteers

They say it sometimes takes a village and that’s certainly true of Civic Local Foundation. To recognize its “village,” the Foundation held its second annual Inspiration Celebration in Raleigh on November 21, 2024, and also saluted Foundation grant and scholarship recipients. Civic Credit Union, the Foundation’s philanthropic partner, honored its own “village” at the event: partners, volunteers, and local government supporters who help the credit union and the Foundation fulfill their missions.

Foundation grant recipients

The Foundation was launched in 2021, and since that time, its scholarships and nonprofit grants have touched the lives of thousands of North Carolinians. Nearly $1 million has been awarded to nonprofits across the state working to bridge gaps in health care, housing, human services and hunger. During the celebration, all past grant recipients were recognized for being dedicated resources within their local communities. The Grant Recipient of the Year was Tiny House Community Development, an organization that supports and employs individuals experiencing homelessness. Program participants help build tiny home communities in Greensboro, North Carolina and the surrounding area.

Scholarship winners, credit union volunteers and partners

Since the credit union began funding professional development scholarships and student scholarships for members, more than $3 million has been awarded to provide continuing education at the UNC School of Government for local government leaders, NC State Public Safety Leadership Initiative for law enforcement leaders, and education for high school seniors attending four-year universities. This training helps attendees strengthen the communities they serve and relieves financial constraints for educational expenses.

The Inspiration Celebration also honored all past scholarship recipients. Shreya Karumuri was named Student Scholarship Recipient of the Year, and Marquie Morrison-Brown shared her gratitude for receiving an AOMP Scholarship. All Civic Credit Union volunteers in attendance were acknowledged for helping the credit union’s Advisory Council grow to 1,000 advocates. David Huffman, a founding member of the council, was named the Advisory Council Member of the Year. Additionally, credit union partners were recognized, and special remarks were provided by leaders from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and UNC School of Government.

Event fundraising directed to Hurricane Helene victims

Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina as Inspiration Celebration was being planned, and event organizers quickly pivoted to ensure fundraising proceeds will benefit those local government employees who were hit hard and suffered losses. To date, more than $130,000 has been raised for dozens of those working in local government who were impacted. By purchasing “Civic stars,” event attendees not only helped those who lost their homes or vehicles to the devastation of Hurricane Helene, but their donations provided them a chance to win interactive North Carolina experiences. The “Civic Stars” fundraiser was successful in raising more than $7,000 during the event. Additional personal contributions came from the Foundation Board of Directors and Civic employees. Also, grant funding for the first quarter of 2025 has been designated to support this initiative. The fundraising endeavor is a long-term commitment, and the community is welcome to support the relief efforts. 

To contribute to the relief fund, visit the Foundation’s donation page.