The SPC Cares Foundation is committed to addressing the urgent need for food security in our community. In order to do this, we support nonprofit organizations and community groups that provide access to food resources for individuals experiencing chronic hunger. By investing in these programs, we aim to ensure that everyone has the basic necessities to thrive and contribute to a healthy, vibrant community. The following are examples of organizations and efforts we support through our focus on hunger:

• Soup kitchens

• Food banks

• Seasonal needs or disaster relief

• Youth & children's after school or camp programs

At the heart of the SPC Cares Foundation is a steadfast commitment to empowering the next generation through educational initiatives and programs within our local communities. We believe that education is the cornerstone of opportunity and growth, and we are dedicated to supporting projects that foster learning and development for students of all ages. Our foundation collaborates with schools, educators, and community organizations to provide resources, scholarships, and innovative programs that inspire academic excellence and lifelong learning. By investing in education, we are not only enriching individual futures but also nurturing the prosperity and resilience of our entire community. Together, we are building a brighter tomorrow for everyone. Educational programming that we support includes but is not limited to:

• Scholarships through the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation

• Financial education programming

The SPC Cares Foundation is dedicated to fostering strong, vibrant communities by supporting nonprofit organizations and community groups that promote homeownership. Our focus is on initiatives that enhance financial literacy, education, and inclusion, empowering individuals and families to achieve their dream of owning a home. By investing in these programs, we aim to create a more equitable and sustainable future for all. The following examples provide a general outline of programs that we support through the Foundation's focus on housing:

• First-time or affordable homebuyer programs

• Financial counseling

• Efforts to establish or improve credit

• Financial literacy programs

• Domestic abuse and/or homelessness programs

We know just as well as anyone that any organization's biggest asset is its people! Because of this, we support nonprofit organizations and community groups that provide programs designed to promote workplace readiness and success. By investing in these initiatives, we aim to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to secure fulfilling employment and contribute to a strong economy. The following areas fall within our support of employment-related programs:

• Workforce development

• Financial education

• Transportation

• Youth workforce readiness

Community Impact funds are available to support nonprofit organizations that are strengthening and improving communities where SPC Members live, work, or attend school. Preference is given to organizations that address our four funding areas (hunger, housing, employment, & education). Applications for funding are reviewed quarterly by the SPC Cares Foundation Advisory Board.

Any nonprofit organization interested in receiving support must complete the SPC Cares Community Impact Application (below). Up to $1,000 is available. Your organization’s information remains confidential within the Foundation Advisory Board.

SPC Cares Community Impact Funding Guidelines:

• Have a tax-exempt status under IRS section 501(c)(3)

• Have been in operation for at least three years

• Have a volunteer board overseeing the organization’s operations

• Align with one of SPC’s community focus areas (outlined above)

• Provide services to individuals living in the counties served by SPC Credit Union (Darlington, Florence, Marlboro, Chesterfield)

• Limited to one grant within a 12-month period

SPC Cares Community Impact Fund is unable to support the following types of requests:

• Individuals or families, including those raising funds or pledges to support a single individual or a family unit

• For-profit organizations or those without 501(c)(3) status

• Political candidates, parties, campaigns, or causes

• General operating expenses

• Clubs, groups, and organizations within a school (booster clubs, athletics, PTO/PTA, etc.)

• Nonprofit organizations operating outside of SPC Credit Union's field of membership

• Discriminatory against any legally protected status

Annual Grant Cycles:

• Q1: Applications are accepted January 1 – February 28; reviewed in March.

• Q2: Applications are accepted April 1 – May 31; reviewed in June.

• Q3: Applications are accepted July 1 – August 31; reviewed in September.

• Q4: Applications are accepted October 1 – November 30; reviewed in December.

The SPC Cares Foundation supports organizations most consistent with our focus areas outlined.  All applicants will be contacted regarding their application status.  For more information, contact SPCCaresFoundation@spccu.org.

IMPORTANT: 501(c)3 organizations may apply for a grant (up to $1,000) from SPC's Community Impact Fund by clicking “APPLY NOW” below to complete an application form.

APPLY NOW

SPC Scholarships are available to improve the lives of Members who want to further their education. Scholarship applications are available October 1 – February 1 of each year. Recipients are notified of decisions to award funding in April. Scholarship opportunities are available for high school students entering college, adults returning to college, and children of SPC CU employees and board members.

Applications are considered on both academic and needs-based criteria. Access the application using the “APPLY NOW” button below.

SPC Cares Scholarships are awarded in the amount of $1,000 each.

Eligibility Criteria:

• SPC Credit Union Member in good standing

• GPA of 3.0 or higher

• Enrollment in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester at a post-secondary institution for the upcoming school year

• Completed scholarship application

• Supporting documentation: Most recent high school or college transcript

These funds are provided by SPC Credit Union in partnership with the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation.

APPLY NOW

General Fund Scholarships

These funds are provided by the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation. Scholarships are available to Members of any credit union in North and South Carolina. Both academic and need-based scholarships for all levels of higher education are awarded, including technical and community college scholarships.

If you have questions or need additional information, please email SPCCaresFoundation@spccu.org.

Congratulations to the recipients of our 2024 SPC Scholarships!

• Drake Howle

• Sarah James

• Christopher Rogers

• Courtney Hastey

• Morgan Griggs

• Kierra Hicks

• Austin Smith

• Abby Stewart

Don’t let a hefty down payment get you down; SPC’s Down Payment Assistance grants are here to help lighten your load!

Down Payment Assistance grants are available for first-time homebuyers (anyone who has never owned a home OR has not owned a home in the past 3 years) as a bridge to home ownership. Qualified applicants may receive up to $5,000 for down payment and/or closing costs. 

Applicant requirements include:

· Must be a first-time homebuyer

· Credit score greater than or equal to 620

· Must complete Fannie Mae Home Ownership online course with certificate

· Individuals or households must be at or below 100% Area Median Income (AMI)

· $2,000 of personal funds must be available for down payment or closing costs

· Completed and approved mortgage loan application

IMPORTANT: For additional details on DPA eligibility, visit our Home Loans page or contact a member of our Mortgage Team. Visit them in person at 124 N Fifth Street in Hartsville.

Access the Down Payment Application using the “APPLY NOW” button (below). Your information remains confidential within the SPC Cares Foundation’s Advisory Board.

APPLY NOW

Owning a home has long been described as fulfillment of the American Dream. When you buy your first home, you and your family take an important step towards a better quality of life, educational opportunities, and financial well-being.

Homeownership can improve your quality of life. Compared to renters, homeowners report:

• Greater self esteem

• A higher quality of life

• Feeling more in control of their lives

• Living in a stable home environment helps children

• Attaining higher achievement levels in math and reading

• Having fewer behavior problems

• Greater likelihood of graduating college

Homeowners are also more engaged in their community.

• Homeowners live in a community 4 times longer than renters

• Homeowners are 16% more likely to be involved in local schools and education

• One job is created for every two homes sold

Additionally , owning a home is a key step towards financial well-being.

• A homeowner’s net worth is 36 times that of a renter

• Homeowners can write off the interest they pay on a mortgage up to $1 million, so long as the property is their main or secondary residence

Ready to get started? Click “APPLY NOW” above to take the next step towards home ownership!

SPC Cares Foundation's Member Hardship Fund provides financial assistance up to $1,500 in the form of a grant to Members who are experiencing financial hardship due to events beyond their control, including disasters, extended illnesses or injuries, and other special situations. The Member Hardship Fund does not aid with non-emergency situations or financial difficulties due to poor financial management, judgement, or negligence. Assistance for emergencies and crisis situations are considered on a case-by-case basis, and requested funding is not guaranteed.

This fund is intended to provide relief to SPC Members who are currently experiencing financial hardship. In accordance with the IRS, financial hardship must be demonstrated to receive grant funding and is understood to mean negative household income, meaning there is not enough income or limited to no savings to meet your financial obligations. 

The criteria below is intended to manage limited fund resources and assist people in our community experiencing the greatest hardship. Before applying, please carefully read the qualifying criteria:

• Circumstances involving loss of household income (i.e. job loss or major illness causing medical debt). In these situations, the event must have already taken place, and the financial hardship is underway.

For example, in the case of job loss/closure of facility, the date of the event is the first day you are longer working, not the date of the announcement. In this case, assuming you had not found another job with comparable wages, you would apply after losing employment and after your savings reserves, if any, have been exhausted.

• Circumstances involving natural disasters include, but are not limited to, fire, flood, or weather. Must include loss of personal property that you own (i.e. house, car). Losses include those not covered by insurance or government relief (FEMA, etc.).  In these cases, documentation showing a gap in coverage must be included in  your application.

• Members of SPC must be in good standing. Dormant memberships or any Member who has caused a financial loss to the Credit Union are ineligible. 

SPC Cares' Member Hardship Fund is unable to support the following types of requests:

• Nonprofit or for-profit organizations; funds are reserved for individuals or families

• Political candidates, parties, campaigns, or causes

• Clubs, groups, or organizations within a school (booster clubs, athletics, PTO/PTA, etc.)

• Individuals or families outside of SPC's field of membership

IMPORTANT:SPC Credit Union Members may apply for Member Hardship Funds (up to $1,500) by clicking “APPLY NOW” below. Your information remains confidential within the SPC Cares Foundation’s Advisory Board.

Grants are administered by the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation on behalf of the SPC Cares Foundation. Grants for hardship will be deposited into your SPC Credit Union account within (2) business days of your grant’s approval. A grant is NOT taxable income.

APPLY NOW