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VyStar Foundation youth grant cycle now open

JACKSONVILLE, FL (September 16, 2024) — VyStar Foundation is now accepting requests for its Youth grant cycle. Funding priority will be given to nonprofit organizations that support youth (ages 12-18) in their academic achievement by providing wraparound services in one or more of the following areas:

  • Food and housing assistance
  • Career counseling and skill development
  • Mental health support

VyStar Foundation is dedicated to doing good and leading by example through collaborative partnerships that support military members and veterans, youth, and overall community vitality in the areas served by VyStar Credit Union. VyStar Foundation has awarded nearly $600,000 to 32 nonprofits in its first three grant cycles.

“At VyStar Foundation, we believe that empowering youth is the key to building strong, thriving communities,” said Patricia McElroy, President VyStar Foundation. “This grant cycle focuses on supporting organizations that offer wraparound services like food, shelter, career counseling and mental health support. By equipping students with the right tools and essential resources, we can pave the way for their academic success.”

The Foundation will consider youth grant requests of up to $20,000 and will fund a total of $200,000. The Board of Directors, at its discretion, may vary funding amounts and the number of awards depending on the quality and number of applications received.

VyStar Foundation grant application information sessions will be held virtually in September:

  • Tuesday, September 17 – 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, September 19 – 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, September 24 – 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

To register for one of the virtual sessions, visit vystarfoundation.org/grants.

Grants through VyStar Foundation are 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

Youth grant applications are due by 5 p.m. on October 13, 2024. For additional information about eligibility and how to apply, view the Notification of Funding Opportunity and learn more at vystarfoundation.org.


About VyStar Foundation

As VyStar Credit Union’s grantmaking arm, VyStar Foundation was established in 2021 to strengthen the credit union’s ability to do good. Operating as a 501(c)(3) charity, the Foundation is 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. For more information, visit vystarfoundation.org.

Contacts

Charlene Shirk
Assistant Vice President
Public Relations
shirkc@vystarcu.org

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