Chartway Promise Foundation Ushers In 2026 With Over $1 Million in Grants to Support Medically Fragile Children

For more than two decades, the Chartway Promise Foundation has stood as a beacon of joy, hope, and compassion for medically fragile children and their families. As 2026 begins, the foundation is celebrating a milestone year--one fueled by generosity, community spirit, and a record-breaking commitment to making a difference.

In 2025, thanks to the support of corporate partners, individual donors, and a calendar full of successful fundraising events, the foundation raised over $1 million. Those funds, approved by the foundation's board and distributed in December, will power the 2026 programs of 33 nonprofit charitable partners--the largest number of organizations supported in a single year. Even more exciting: ten of those partners are brand new, expanding the foundation's reach to even more children and families in need.

Since its founding in 2005, the Chartway Promise Foundation has awarded an impressive $17 million to organizations that share its mission of creating memorable experiences for medically fragile children and their familes.

Christine Wilson, the foundation's executive director, captured the heart of the moment, noting that each grant represents "a promise to families navigating some of life's hardest moments." She emphasized the foundation's gratitude for the 2025 grant recipients who are already preparing programs that will bring joy and meaningful memories to children in the year ahead.

"Each grant awarded is rooted in the belief that every child deserves moments filled with joy, hope, and smiles," said Wayne Foshay, board chair for the Chartway Promise Foundation. "The growth of our grants program this year, to include ten new partners, reflects the heart and dedication of our community. It's inspiring to see how many organizations will make a difference for medically fragile children and their families in the year ahead."

"At Chartway, we take immense pride in the impact we make in the communities we serve. That commitment shines brightest through our Promise Foundation and the incredible partners who help us make a meaningful difference for children and families," said Brian Schools, president & CEO of Chartway Credit Union. "The expanded reach planned for 2026, speaks to what can be achieved when people come together and we're honored to help fuel that momentum."

Below is the full list of organizations whose missions align with the foundation's purpose and who received funding for their 2026 programming:

The ripple effect of the Promise Foundation's work could be felt well beyond its grantmaking in 2025. The foundation's community impact helped propel Chartway Credit Union to a year of standout recognition, including being named Credit Union of the Year and earning the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Award from the League of Credit Unions & Affiliates. Chartway also secured a spot--for the third year running--on the CIVIC 50 Hampton Roads list by VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads, a Points of Light initiative that celebrates companies leading with purpose and community commitment.

It was a year that underscored a simple truth: when Chartway invests in its communities, the world takes notice.

To explore more about Chartway Credit Union, the Chartway Promise Foundation, or ways to get involved, visit www.chartwaypromisefoundation.org.