My son just graduated from William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business and during the graduation ceremony I was inspired by the motivational speakers, the electric energy of the graduates filled with hopes and dreams along with their parents beaming with pride. As mortarboards with tassels were tossed into the air, the graduates stepped confidently into the next chapter of their lives with even bigger plans for their future.
This tradition of celebrating academic achievement aligns perfectly with another significant milestone: the 20th anniversary of the NWFCU Foundation which kicks off this December. This celebration not only marks the culmination of years of hard work for our community but reflects the Foundation's commitment to empowering futures through education and financial support.
Just as our graduates are working on their bucket lists, the Foundation is busy at work creating our strategic plan for the next twenty years and entering stage 2.0. In preparation, we held a Board Strategic Off-Site in May where we refreshed our mission statement, revised policies, planned a year of exciting celebrations, and collaborated on how we can expand our outreach and impact. Armed with our new mission statement: “The NWFCU Foundation empowers youth to achieve their goals by supporting their health, well-being, and education” the Foundation staff is energized. We start each day in the office challenging ourselves, How can we do more to help youth in the community TODAY?
Over the years, the Foundation has awarded 2 million dollars in scholarships to over 400 students, offered financial education to thousands, and provided resources through our quarterly drives. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the NWFCU Foundation is an opportunity to reflect on the profound impact the organization has had on individuals and communities, but we know that our work is just beginning. It is a race without a finish line, and we must do more.
The Foundation’s anniversary is a call to action for the future. Consider donating to invest in the next twenty years. We invite members, employees, supporters, and community members to join in the mission of providing resources and empowering others. Together, we can continue to build on the successes of the past two decades and work towards a future where everyone in our community has a chance to thrive. Here's to the graduates, the Foundation, and a future filled with promise and opportunity!
Learn more about the NWFCU Foundation here or donate to support our work.