VyStar Credit Union proudly launches VyStar Foundation
JACKSONVILLE, FL (March 29, 2023) — VyStar Credit Union announced today it has launched VyStar Foundation, which will 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.
“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. VyStar Foundation’s first grant cycle opened today and honors 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. Grant application information sessions will be held in March and April, with the final application deadline on April 30.
“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 of Directors, 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.
To learn more about VyStar Foundation, visit vystarfoundation.org.
About VyStar Credit Union
VyStar Credit Union is the second-largest credit union headquartered in Florida, with over 80 branches and now serves more than 975,000 members with assets of over $14 billion. VyStar is the top mortgage lender in Northeast Florida and a major employer in the region with over 2,500 employees across the communities it serves. VyStar membership is open to everyone who lives or works in the 49 contiguous counties of Central to North Florida, 29 Georgia counties, and past and present military members and their families all over the world. For more information, visit vystarcu.org, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn.
About VyStar Foundation
As VyStar Credit Union’s philanthropic 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.
