#United States #South Carolina #PenFed Foundation #Vantage Point #Military Heroes

PenFed Foundation Awards Grant

The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes has stepped forward with a generous $50,000 grant awarded to the Vantage Point Foundation to bolster its Veteran Leadership Course (VLC) in South Carolina. This initiative aims to help post-9/11 veterans navigate the transition to civilian life successfully by equipping them with vital skills and support.

Established in 2001, the PenFed Foundation focuses on aiding veterans on their journey back to civilian life and ensuring they can find their purpose after military service. With this latest funding, they hope to empower veterans and military spouses by providing necessary resources and training through the VLC.

A Commitment to Veterans

The foundation’s president, Andrea McCarren, expressed pride in supporting the Vantage Point Foundation, emphasizing the alignment of their mission with PenFed's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for veterans. “We are proud to support the Vantage Point Foundation and their vital work in empowering veterans and military spouses,” said McCarren. “Their Veteran Leadership Course aligns perfectly with PenFed's commitment to empowering veterans, helping them find purpose and achieve success in their civilian lives.”

With the funds from the grant, the Vantage Point Foundation will be able to cater to 70 veterans across three distinct cohorts scheduled for Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026. Each cohort will begin with an intensive three-day in-person training session, followed by a six-month virtual training course designed to provide continuous support and mentorship.

Enhancing Scope and Impact

Mark Holyfield, the Executive Director of the Vantage Point Foundation, expressed gratitude for the substantial support from the PenFed Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful for the PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes' generous support,” he stated. “This grant will allow us to expand our reach and continue providing the Veteran Leadership Course to more veterans in South Carolina, empowering them to transition successfully, find purpose, and become leaders in their communities.”

The VLC serves not only as a training program but also fosters a sense of community among participants. It encourages veterans to share their experiences and challenges, creating an environment of mutual support.

The mission of the Vantage Point Foundation is to guide veterans and military spouses along a new path toward personal growth and success, and with this grant, they are set to enhance their impact significantly. The VLC is free of charge for eligible veterans, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent them from accessing vital resources.

About the Organizations

The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes is closely affiliated with PenFed Credit Union, which covers most of the foundation's administrative costs. This structure allows a higher percentage of donations to be directly allocated to their programs supporting veterans, active-duty service members, and military families. Since its inception, the PenFed Foundation has provided over $55 million in aid, aiming to facilitate smooth transitions for service members into civilian careers.

To learn more about the PenFed Foundation and its programs, visit www.penfedfoundation.org. With both organizations dedicated to empowering veterans, this partnership symbolizes a significant stride toward enhancing the well-being of those who have served in the military and contributing to their future success in civilian life.