Piedmont Advantage Credit Union Receives Major Grant to Support Community Initiatives

Piedmont Advantage Credit Union Awarded $10,000 Grant

In a significant boost for community support, Piedmont Advantage Credit Union (PACU) has been recognized with a $10,000 grant from Elan Credit Card's Charitable Giving program. This award is part of a national initiative that selected only 25 financial institutions across the United States for this distinction. The funding aims to empower the PACU Foundation, an entity forged to assist community members facing financial difficulties.

Celebrating a Milestone

Elan Credit Card's Charitable Giving program marks its fifth anniversary this year by donating a total of $250,000 to different nonprofit organizations throughout the country. The $10,000 grant awarded to PACU is not just a simple gesture; it symbolizes a long-term commitment to enhancing the lives of community members and reversing the financial hardships some face.

Dion Williams, President and CEO of Piedmont Advantage Credit Union, expressed pride in receiving this grant. He emphasized, “We are deeply honored to be recognized by Elan Charitable Giving as one of just 25 financial institutions nationwide to receive this award. This investment is more than a donation—it's a shared belief in strengthening communities.”

Community Impact

The PACU Foundation, established in 2020, has already made a considerable impact by donating over $140,000 to local charities across the Triad and Charlotte areas. Jean Golden-Rumer, President of the PACU Foundation, remarked, “This recognition affirms the purpose of our Foundation and meaningful collaborations. We are grateful for Elan's commitment to helping credit unions turn values into action for the communities we serve.”

Elan's national charitable program launched in 2022 has so far disbursed more than $2.5 million to over 175 nonprofit organizations. This generous funding is supplemented by hundreds of employee volunteer hours, showcasing the true spirit of cooperation and community engagement. Golden-Rumer added, “Programs like this reflect the very best of the cooperative model. When organizations like Elan, Piedmont Advantage, and the PACU Foundation align around shared values, communities win.”

The Mission of the PACU Foundation

As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, PACU Foundation is dedicated to furthering charitable activities aimed at enhancing financial literacy, education, and training. It also provides vital disaster and emergency assistance to community members struggling with financial hardships. With an established foundation, the PACU Foundation is poised to expand its impact even further.

Piedmont Advantage Credit Union, based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, has a rich history. Founded in 1949 to service employees of Piedmont Aviation and Piedmont Airline, it has grown over the decades to cater to a more extensive membership. The credit union continues to serve individuals residing, working, or studying in the North Carolina counties of Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Iredell, Mecklenburg, and Rockingham. Today, it operates six branches and ten ATMs, maintaining its mission as a not-for-profit, cooperative financial institution.

In conclusion, the $10,000 grant from Elan Credit Card's Charitable Giving program represents not just financial assistance, but a concerted effort to uplift communities and promote financial literacy. Organizations like PACU and their ongoing partnerships demonstrate the profound impact that community-focused initiatives can have on improving lives.