Palmetto Citizens Foundation opens applications for inaugural $100,000 Fuel the Change campaign
October 7, 2026
Applications open today, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at 9 a.m. and close Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at 5 p.m.
The Palmetto Citizens Foundation is now accepting applications from nonprofit organizations interested in participating in the inaugural Fuel the Change campaign, a new 100 Hours of Giving initiative launching in 2027.
The Foundation will select five nonprofit organizations as Fuel the Change partners. During the campaign, the Palmetto Citizens Foundation will match eligible donations dollar for dollar, up to $20,000 per participating nonprofit, for a total of up to $100,000 in matching funds.
Fuel the Change was created to expand the Foundation’s support of nonprofit organizations making a difference in the communities Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union serves. By pairing community donations with matching funds, the campaign helps participating organizations increase the impact of the support they receive during the 100-hour giving period.
Palmetto Citizens covers 100% of the Foundation’s operating expenses, so every dollar donated to the Foundation supports community impact.
“Nonprofit organizations are already doing meaningful work in the communities we serve, and Fuel the Change is about helping them take that work even further,” said Emilie Lewis, executive director of the Palmetto Citizens Foundation. “Through this campaign, we can help these organizations bring greater awareness to the impact they are making right here in our communities.”
Who Can Apply
Organizations applying to become a Fuel the Change partner must be recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)(3) public charity, be in good standing and provide direct services within the geographic area served by Palmetto Citizens.
Organizations do not have to be headquartered within the Palmetto Citizens service area, but they must demonstrate a meaningful service presence and community impact within an eligible community. An existing relationship with Palmetto Citizens or the Palmetto Citizens Foundation is not required to apply or be selected.
How Organizations Will Be Selected
Applications will be reviewed based on alignment with the Palmetto Citizens Foundation’s mission, demonstrated community need and impact, meaningful service within an eligible community and the organization’s ability and willingness to actively participate in Fuel the Change.
Organizations whose work aligns with one or more of the Palmetto Citizens Foundation’s four focus areas are encouraged to apply. These areas include financial education, housing stability, basic needs, and youth and education, reflecting the Foundation’s broader commitment to supporting programs and services that strengthen individuals, families and communities.
The Palmetto Citizens Foundation will make the final selections. Selected partners will be asked to verify their 501(c)(3) status and to help promote the campaign and share their stories.
How the Match Works
Each of the five selected nonprofit partners will have the opportunity to receive up to $20,000 in matching funds from the Palmetto Citizens Foundation during the 100 Hours of Giving.
There is no minimum fundraising requirement. Eligible donations will be matched dollar for dollar until a nonprofit reaches its full $20,000 match. Supporters may continue donating after that point. Additional donations will not be matched, but 100% of each gift will still go to the nonprofit.
Funds received through Fuel the Change are unrestricted and may be used to support each nonprofit organization’s charitable mission and greatest areas of need.
“Our goal is to help these organizations strengthen the work they are already doing,” Lewis said. “Whether the funding helps meet an immediate need, expand a program or reach more people, we want Fuel the Change to give each organization flexibility to put that support where it can make the greatest difference.”
Key Dates
Applications open Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at 9 a.m. and close Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at 5 p.m.
The five selected nonprofit partners will be announced the week of Nov. 16, 2026.
The inaugural 100 Hours of Giving will begin Monday, Feb. 22, 2027, at 8 a.m. and end Friday, Feb. 26, 2027, at noon.
Nonprofit organizations interested in applying can learn more at https://palmettocitizensfoundation.org/fuel-the-change/.
About the Palmetto Citizens Foundation
The Palmetto Citizens Foundation was established in 2025 to deepen community impact through focused investment in education, nonprofit support and community initiatives. Inspired by the credit union’s founding by educators in 1936, the foundation continues that legacy by supporting the people and organizations working to create opportunity and improve lives. Through charitable giving, volunteerism and partnerships, the foundation is committed to building stronger communities for generations to come. For more information, visit www.palmettocitizensfoundation.org.
