Truliant Names Community Mini Grant Winners

Winston-Salem, N.C. (May 14, 2020)  – To provide funds to non-profit organizations more quickly in the face of operating challenges due to COVID-19, Truliant Federal Credit Union announced 30 organizations will receive Community Mini Grants. 

The program, now in its twelfth year, provides community-based nonprofit organizations with $1,000 in grant funding to support operating, programmatic or capacity-building needs. This year, operating were added costs to its grant focus areas to help organizations impacted by the coronavirus. 

The credit union shortened its Mini Grant application period to get funds to recipients more quickly. Truliant disbursed a total of $30,000 in award funds in its member communities in the Carolinas and Virginia beginning in late April.  

“Local organizations large and small are stepping up to fill important gaps in our communities when they need it most,” said Renee Shipko, Community Engagement Manager. “The funds will provide an extra layer of support for those needing help with operating costs or programmatic changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.”

In 2020, emphasis was placed on organizations that improve communities through community development, economic mobility, financial wellness, and youth and education. Winners include: 

• Crosby Scholars Community Partnership - Funds will provide college enrollment deposits for high-need students.
• Financial Pathways of the Piedmont - Funds will be used to support the electronic signature process to serve clients more efficiently during the pandemic.
• H.O.P.E. of Winston-Salem - Funds will cover additional meals for children. 
• HandsOn Northwest NC - Funds will be used to promote award winners for the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards. 
• Hispanic League - Funds will be used to support educational tools to continue the work of the nonprofit.
• IFB Solutions - Funds will support job training and workforce development for blind and visually impaired residents who have been furloughed in a manufacturing environment.
• Senior Services - Funds will provide 166 hot, nutritious meals, shelf-stable meals and frozen meals for older adults who are home-bound.
• Winston-Salem Street School - Funds will support operational challenges as a result of COVID-19.
• Backpack Beginnings - $1,000. Funds will purchase food and supplies for the food program, which is operating at maximum capacity due to increased demand during the pandemic.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Piedmont - $1,000. Funds will assist one-to-one mentoring remotely. 
• Out of the Garden Project - $1,000. Funds will support and increase demand for food during as a result of unemployment in this crisis.
• The Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship - $1,000. Funds will provide cash management training to entrepreneurs by providing tools and education to teach them how to manage their cash flow during this time. 
• The Volunteer Center of the Triad - $1,000. In disasters, the center transforms into the Volunteer Emergency Response Center for Guilford County. Funds will be used to support ongoing operations during this crisis.
• Beds for Kids - $1,000. Funds will support general operations and a revised operating plan for the nonprofit organization.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas - $1,000. Funds will provide immediate support to staff and mentors to help navigate necessary systems to continue providing services.
• Bright Blessings - $1,000. Funds will provide hygiene kits and snacks to thousands of homeless children in Mecklenburg County.
• Charlotte Community ToolBank - $1,000. Funds will offset losses in program revenue while continuing to prepare for when they are able to once again serve all groups.
• Classroom Central - $1,000. Funds will support kits of homework supplies, hygiene and dental items to serve Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in need.
• CMS Foundation - $1,000. Funds will equip students with technology resources they need to access learning virtually and stay connected with their teachers.
• Communities in Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Inc. - $1,000. Funds will ensure vulnerable families stay connected to vital supports and enhanced services so they stay healthy and students can remain on track academically and emotionally.
• Digi-Bridge - $1,000. Funds will supplement virtual and at-home science kits for STEM education and exploration.
• KIPP Charlotte Public Schools - $1,000. Funds will provide grocery gift cards for families to purchase food.
• Project One - $1,000. Funds will support operating costs for the executive director to continue hosting financial literacy workshops for students.
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina - $1,000. Funds will support the purchase of backpacks full of nutritious, ready to eat food for food-insecure children in the Charlotte Metro area.
• SHARE Charlotte - $1,000. Funds will be used to promote opportunities for individuals to use their time and talents during this pandemic.
• Young Black Leadership Alliance - $1,000. Funds will be used to support operations for the nonprofit.
• Women’s Resource Center of Alamance County - $1,000. Funds will support operating costs after the nonprofit had to cancel its largest fundraiser this spring.
• Greer Relief and Resources Agency, Inc. - $1,000. Funds will support infrastructure services as the organization has seen a dramatic increase in the need for food and emergency assistance during the pandemic.
• Literacy Volunteers of New River Valley - $1,000. Funds will support initiatives to provide adults with literacy skills needed to rebound in this economy.
• Wytheville Training School Cultural Center, Inc. - $1,000. Funds will support operating costs for the tutoring program for at-risk students in Wytheville, Va.

Since its inception, the Truliant Community Mini Grants program has awarded more than 250 different nonprofit organizations in funding.