PACU Foundation
The PACU Foundation advances charitable giving to support access to financial literacy, education and training, and disaster and emergency assistance for residents overcoming financial hardship throughout the Triad and Charlotte communities.
Giving Hope, Creating Opportunity
At the PACU Foundation, we believe that financial resilience starts with access to resources, support and opportunities that can change lives. That’s why we collaborate with nonprofits that give hope where it’s needed most and create opportunities that last. Our purpose is to walk alongside those making a meaningful difference in the communities we’re privileged to serve.
PACU Foundation gifts $42,000 to seven North Carolina charities
The PACU Foundation donated $42,000 to seven North Carolina charities on Giving Tuesday, enhancing each organization’s capacity to support area residents facing financial hardship.
Giving Tuesday was established in 2012 to promote giving back. Since then, it has evolved into a worldwide movement that inspires millions to donate and celebrate generosity annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
Run for a Reason: Flying Colors Charity 5K and Fun Run
Bright colors, enthusiastic runners and generous hearts marked the PACU Foundation’s Flying Colors Charity 5K and Fun Run this past Saturday at Forsyth Country Day School in Lewisville.
In its third year, the annual event reached new milestones, hosting its first-ever timed 5K, attracting 162 participants and raising a record-breaking $18,789 to help families overcome financial hardship.
Celebrating Five Years in 2025 of Giving Back
In 2025, the PACU Foundation proudly celebrates its fifth anniversary. Since our founding, we have donated more than $100,000 to area nonprofit organizations that align with our mission to improve the lives of individuals and families in the communities we serve.
From providing basic needs to supporting financial education and disaster relief, every dollar given has helped us turn compassion into action.
2025-2026 Supported Nonprofits
In 2025, the PACU Foundation gifted funds for 2026 to seven area charities. From providing essential resources to offering financial education and crisis support, these organizations are amplifying impact in the communities we serve. Congratulations to the following Current Supported Nonprofits:
- Education Over Debt Foundation: Provides scholarships for African American high school students in Mecklenburg County pursuing higher education and supports undocumented high school students of color seeking citizenship and continued education.
- Help, Incorporated’s Square One Family Justice Center: Offers resources for financial safety to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse and human trafficking at the newly constructed SquareOne facility in Rockingham County.
- Mooresville Area Christian Mission: Addresses intergenerational poverty through crisis assistance, case management, and educational programming, serving Iredell County.
- A Storehouse for Jesus: As a volunteer-led distribution and medical ministry, assists residents in need due to financial constraints, illness, domestic violence and homelessness by providing clothing, food, and household care in Davie County and surrounding areas.
- Winston-Salem Rescue Mission: Supports Winston-Salem through recovery programs for men seeking life changes. It provides food and clothing to families in need, as well as on-site medical and dental care.
- Winston-Salem Street School: A private alternative high school for at-risk youth in the Winston-Salem area, provides a holistic approach to education, focusing on strengthening students academically, socially, physically and spiritually to help them earn a state-recognized diploma.
- The Women’s Resource Center of Greensboro: Promotes women’s self-reliance through needs assessment, resource coordination and access to essential community resources.
Now Accepting 2026 Funding Requests
If your 501 (c ) (3) organization’s mission aligns with ours, we invite you to complete a short inquiry form to get started. Once received, a member of our team will contact you to learn more about your organization and share our funding request process with you.
Questions? Please contact us at 336.744.8780 or info@pacufoundation.org.
PACU Foundation Quick Facts
- Serving North Carolina localities since 2020
- Volunteer hours to run the Foundation provided by Piedmont Advantage Credit Union
- More than 70% of Piedmont Advantage employees donate
- PACU Foundation logo with the display of wings: A tribute to Piedmont Advantage’s humble beginnings within the aviation and airline industry
- A Section 501(c )(3) charitable organization, EIN 84-4139152
Board of Directors
| Mary Vitale, Chair | Jean Golden-Rumer, President |
|---|---|
| Email: mvitale@pacufoundation.org | Email: jgolden-rumer@pacufoundation.org |
| Jeanette Stark, Vice Chair and Vice President | Mike Fabregas, Treasurer |
|---|---|
| Email: jeanette.stark@pacufoundation.org | Email: mfabregas@pacufoundation.org |
| Karla Castilleja, Secretary | Megan Brooks, Director |
|---|---|
| Email: kcastilleja@pacufoundation.org | Email: mbrooks@pacufoundation.org |
| James Moore, Director | Diana Santos Johnson, Director |
|---|---|
| Email: jmoore@pacufoundation.org |
| Kim Adkins, Director |
|---|
| Email: kadkins@pacufoundation.org |
Our Staff
| Dion Williams, Piedmont Advantage Credit Union President & CEO | James Moore, Gifting Committee Chair |
|---|---|
| Email: jmoore@pacufoundation.org |
| Kim Adkins, Marketing and Communications Committee Chair | Megan Brooks, Fundraising Committee Chair |
|---|---|
| Email: kadkins@pacufoundation.org | Email: mbrooks@pacufoundation.org |
| Heather Garcia, Assistant Secretary | Sandy Milton, Associate Board Member |
|---|---|
| Email: hgarcia@pacufoundation.org |
The PACU Foundation is a Section 501 (c )(3) charitable organization, EIN 84-4139152. All donations are deemed tax-deductible absent any limitation on deductibility applicable to a particular taxpayer. If goods or services were provided in return for a contribution, the amount of the contribution, which is tax-deductible, may be limited to the amount exceeding the value of such goods and services. The PACU Foundation maintains discretion over the use of all donated funds.