Watch 2025 Inspiration Celebration highlights.

RALEIGH, N.C. – Civic Credit Union and its charitable arm, the Civic Foundation, 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 event recognizes and supports North Carolina’s local government employees and their families through scholarships, grants, and community partnerships. As Civic Credit Union’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, the Civic Foundation highlighted its Career Scholarship Program, which helps local government employees pursue advanced training and professional development that may otherwise be financially out of reach.

“In 2025, the Civic Foundation invested in 87 members as they advance their educational and professional goals,” said Kilpatrick. “These scholarships help local governments stretch their training budgets and represent a meaningful investment in the people who keep our communities moving forward.”

Among this year’s honorees was Chief of Police Rodney Jarman of the Town of Pikeville, recognized with the Excellence in Law Enforcement Leadership Award after completing NC State University’s Administrative Officers Management Program (AOMP), funded by a Civic Foundation scholarship.

“At an agency my size, there’s just not the funding to send somebody to an elevated program like that,” said Chief Jarman. “But that’s where the Civic Foundation comes in. Without them, I would not have been able to complete this program.”

The Inspiration Celebration also recognized North Carolina nonprofits and partner organizations working to expand opportunity and address disparities in areas including health care, housing, human services, and hunger.

This year’s Grant Recipient of the Year was Y Me Mobility Assistance, Inc., a Mecklenburg County nonprofit that provides vehicle adaptations, mobility solutions, and support services to individuals with disabilities and their families. Founded in 2023, Y Me helps bridge the gap between limited support programs and the often significant out-of-pocket costs for accessible transportation.

In September, the Civic Foundation awarded Y Me a community grant to support vehicle modifications, outreach, and installation services for at least 15 North Carolina households.

“Partnerships like these allow us to extend our impact far beyond traditional financial services,” said Kilpatrick. “Together, we are helping build stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities for the people who live, work, and serve in them.”

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.