Earlier this year, VyStar Credit Union launched VyStar Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the credit union. Through VyStar Foundation, the organization extends its community outreach with collaborative partnerships that support youth, military members and veterans, and overall community vitality.
Because appreciation for the military is so deeply embedded in VyStar's history, VyStar Foundation focused the inaugural grant cycle on organizations that support service members and their families. Today, we are thrilled to announce that we've awarded almost $200,000 to the first round of grantees:
Alachua County Coalition for the Homeless and Hungry (Alachua, FL)
America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia (Chatham, GA)
Beaches Habitat for Humanity (Jacksonville, FL)
Five STAR Veterans Center (Jacksonville, FL)
Northeast Florida Women Veterans, Inc. (Jacksonville, FL)
Operation New Uniform Inc. (Jacksonville, FL)
SD Gunner Fund, Inc. (Chatham, GA)
Task Force Hydro 1 (Jacksonville, FL)
United Way of Northeast Florida, Mission United (Jacksonville, FL)
Veterans Entrepreneurship Initiative (Orlando, FL)
These organizations offer vital support to active-duty armed forces members, veterans and their families by reducing food and housing insecurity, providing employment and small business counseling, and improving access to mental health services. We are honored to amplify their impact and look forward to seeing more of their excellent work in the future.
Additionally, we are pleased to share more exciting news! VyStar Credit Union received ownership of First Coast Federal Credit Union’s headquarters during our recent merger. VyStar has donated this property to Three Grains of Rice Missions, a local organization focused on fighting homelessness and helping women and children in need. By donating this space, they will be able to expand their operations to care for the most vulnerable populations and create lasting change.
In August, VyStar Foundation will launch its next grant cycle giving funding priority to non-profit organizations that help underserved youth succeed. If you are part of an organization that serves youth in our community, or know an organization that might be interested, please visit the Grants page.
Additionally, we’re thrilled to provide opportunities for VyStar members and the public to support VyStar Foundation. Visit the Donations page to learn more.
As always, we thank you for your membership and your continued support in our efforts to make a positive impact in our community. Together, we can continue to build a better, stronger community for all.