CAPTRUST Community Foundation Reveals 2026 Charity Recipient Alongside Additional Grant Awards
The CAPTRUST Community Foundation (CCF), a nonprofit organization entirely run by CAPTRUST employees, has made significant strides in its commitment to support charitable causes. On July 9, 2026, the foundation officially announced that the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) will be its charity of choice for the year 2026. MCEC has been awarded a generous grant of $100,000 aimed at bolstering its efforts to ensure that military children receive the quality education they deserve, regardless of where their parents' service takes them.
MCEC, established in 1998, focuses on the educational needs of children connected with military families. The organization strives to provide essential resources, programs, and professional development aimed specifically at helping students, parents, and educators overcome the unique hurdles presented by military life. Their flagship initiative, the Student 2 Student® (S2S) program, plays a crucial role in easing transitions for students who often move due to military obligations. The foundation of this program is that it fosters peer support and aims to ease the adjustment process at each educational level.
Mary Bier, the president and CEO of MCEC, expressed her gratitude, stating, "Being selected as CAPTRUST Community Foundation's 2026 Charity of Choice is a tremendous honor and a meaningful investment in the military-connected students we serve every day." She highlighted that the grant would enable the organization to expand the S2S program throughout numerous school districts in North Carolina, emphasizing how critical this initiative is for children who typically move multiple times during their K-12 educational years.
Heather Shanahan, who serves as both the president of CCF and the senior director of endowments and foundations at CAPTRUST, remarked on the significant impact that MCEC's work has on communities with a robust military presence like North Carolina. Shanahan noted, "Their approach supports not just students, but the full network around them, and we are proud to partner with an organization advancing opportunities for military-connected children and families."
In addition to the grant awarded to MCEC, CCF has identified five other nonprofits that will each receive a National Partnership Grant of $25,000. These organizations include:
1. BetterALife - Focusing on mentorship and leadership development, this organization assists young individuals in building their confidence and achieving their potential.
2. Camp Twin Lakes - Offering transformative camp experiences, this nonprofit supports children facing serious health challenges, providing a space for joy and connection.
3. Children's Assistive Technology Service - Dedicated to customizing assistive technology solutions that enhance the communication and mobility skills of children with disabilities.
4. GirlUp GVL - Empowering young girls through mentorship, leadership initiatives, and community involvement, this organization fosters confidence and pathways to future success.
5. Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue - Providing essential equine-assisted programs and rehabilitation for rescue horses, this organization promotes emotional healing and personal growth.
Since its founding in 2007, the CCF has passionately committed to the welfare of children across the nation. The foundation has awarded over $10 million in grants to various charitable groups, primarily funded by voluntary payroll deductions from CAPTRUST employees, who contribute to matching funds that amplify the foundation’s efforts.
The CAPTRUST Community Foundation serves as a powerful vehicle for employees to engage in community outreach, enhancing the lives of children in the areas they serve. Keep an eye on CCF’s LinkedIn for updates on their initiatives and collaborations.
For CAPTRUST, a firm specializing in independent financial advice and investment management, this partnership reflects their broader commitment to social responsibility. By actively supporting organizations like MCEC and others, CAPTRUST continues to play a pivotal role in improving opportunities for those in need.