JACKSONVILLE, Fla.— VyStar Credit Union has launched VyStar Foundation to serve as the credit union’s philanthropic arm.
VyStar Foundation will be dedicated to doing good and leading by example through collaborative partnerships that support youth, military members and veterans, and overall community vitality in the areas served by VyStar Credit Union, the CU said.
“VyStar Credit Union’s purpose is to ‘Do Good.’ That simple phrase describes the spirit of philanthropy that is deeply embedded in our organization. It inspires our teams in all that we do, whether we’re serving our members, volunteering with nonprofit organizations or donating to community partners who share in our commitment to improve the places we call home,” said Patricia McElroy, SVP/President VyStar Foundation. “We have seen the incredible power of what we can accomplish when we work together for a common good. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead VyStar Foundation to further expand VyStar’s dedication to the community.”
Grants through VyStar Foundation will be available to 501(c)(3) organizations whose purpose and mission align with the Foundation’s strategic giving pillars:
- Military: Ensuring military members, veterans and their families receive the social services they need and the recognition they deserve
- Youth: Empowering youth by providing equitable access to creative learning environments
- Community Building: Cultivating financially strong, culturally vibrant and interconnected communities
Each grant cycle will have a specific funding priority drawn from one of these strategic giving pillars.
The VyStar Foundation said its first grant cycle has opened and will honor VyStar’s roots at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The grant cycle focuses on nonprofit organizations that support active military, veterans and their families.
Specific funding priority will be given to programs that address food and housing insecurity, employment and small business counseling, or mental health services.
“VyStar Foundation’s launch will take our philanthropic efforts to new heights,” said VyStar President/CEO Brian Wolfburg. “As VyStar continues to grow across Florida and Georgia, the Foundation will serve our new and existing communities, help us build important relationships with community leaders and support organizations that make a difference each and every day.”
Patricia McElroy will serve as Foundation President. VyStar Foundation will be operated by a volunteer board, which currently includes SVP/VyStar Foundation President Patricia McElroy, VyStar President/CEO Brian Wolfburg as chairman, VyStar EVP/Chief Operations Officer Chad Meadows as treasurer, VyStar Chief Marketing Officer Dana Karzan as secretary and VyStar Credit Union Board Secretary Diane Fears. Moving forward, the Foundation Board will include community members from areas served by VyStar Credit Union.