Watch the 2025 AOMP Civic Foundation Scholarship Recipient video.

RALEIGH, N.C. – Civic Foundation, the charitable arm of Civic Credit Union, welcomed public servants, community partners, scholarship recipients, and nonprofit leaders from across North Carolina to their annual Inspiration Celebration on Thursday, November 20. The event honored individuals and organizations whose work strengthens communities and the people who serve them.

The Inspiration Celebration recognizes and supports North Carolina’s local government employees and their families through scholarships, grants, and community partnerships. As Civic Foundation’s signature annual event honoring the work of the Foundation, it brings together partners whose missions align with Civic’s focus on expanding opportunity and improving quality of life in communities across the state.

“Tonight we honor and appreciate our collaborative partners who are allies in strengthening North Carolina communities,” said Jaz Kilpatrick, Executive Director of the Civic Foundation. “As a credit union created for local government employees, we know our mission is deeply connected to the work of the organizations represented here. These groups are pillars of support for the public servants who shape our cities, towns, and counties every single day.”

This year’s Inspiration Celebration also recognized Chief of Police Rodney Jarman of the Pikeville Police Department, who received the Excellence in Law Enforcement Leadership Award. With 17 years of service, Chief Jarman leads a 10-officer department and is known for his commitment to community-centered policing and officer development.

Chief Jarman recently completed NC State University’s Administrative Officers Management Program (AOMP), made possible through a scholarship from the Civic Foundation.

“The AOMP program made me a greater leader overall,” Chief Jarman said. “Some things it strengthened in me, and some things it helped create — where there was a weakness, now there is a strength.”

During his speech, he emphasized that the curriculum, policy training, and budgeting preparation were invaluable, noting, “Everything I’ve learned, I’m now inspiring in the other officers.”

“No matter how much drive and determination I had, that financial key was instrumental. I owe a lot of gratitude to the Civic Foundation,” said Chief Jarman. “I hope this program continues to send other officers, sergeants, lieutenants, and even chiefs like me, because it’s truly beneficial.”

The Civic Foundation’s scholarship program supports both students and public servants across North Carolina by funding education, leadership development, and professional training opportunities. In addition to the AOMP scholarship awarded to Chief Jarman, the Foundation offers a range of academic and workforce-advancement scholarships each year. Scholarship applications for the upcoming cycle are now open, and eligible Civic Credit Union members are encouraged to apply as the Foundation continues its commitment to investing in the people who serve and strengthen their communities.

About Civic Foundation

Civic Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Civic Credit Union. It supports thriving communities through investments in equity, education, financial well-being, and disaster resilience.

Are you a North Carolina nonprofit creating lasting local impact? Apply for a Civic Foundation grant and join a growing network of change-makers building stronger, more equitable communities across the state.