Lizeth GeorgeSince its founding 20 years ago, Chartway Credit Union, in Virginia Beach, Virginia’s charitable arm, Chartway Promise Foundation, has delivered on its mission to bring joy, hope, and smiles to medically fragile children and their families through unforgettable experiences. We call these children Promise Heroes, and this year marks the Foundation’s 20th anniversary supporting them. In 2024, the Foundation worked tirelessly to raise funds, with support from generous corporate and individual donors and numerous successful fundraising events. This effort resulted in $1.1 million, the largest award for its annual grants program in Foundation history.
These funds, approved by its board and distributed in December 2024 will support programming for 25 non-profit charitable partners in 2025—the most supported in a single year since the foundation’s inception.
“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Chartway Promise Foundation, we are more inspired than ever by the lasting impact we’ve made in the lives of medically fragile children and their families,” said Christine Wilson, president of the Chartway Promise Foundation. “The $1.1 million in grants we’re awarding this year will open the door to even more memorable opportunities. It’s a privilege to continue this mission and to know that, with the support of our generous donors, we are able to create moments of joy, hope, and smiles for these brave children.”
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see how far we’ve come in supporting medically fragile children and their families,” said Wayne Foshay, board chair for the Chartway Promise Foundation. “We’re honored to strengthen our commitment to providing meaningful experiences that offer hope to these children. This impact is only possible because of the generosity of our donors and partners, who help us make a real difference for those facing medical hardships.”
“At Chartway, our purpose is to unlock the potential of individuals and families so they can thrive – and through our Foundation, we are living that purpose,” said Brian Schools, Chartway Credit Union President and CEO. “As we celebrate 20 years of bringing joy, hope, and smiles to medically fragile children and their families, I’m grateful to see our impact in the communities we serve in Texas, Utah and Virginia. Thanks to our members, team members, donors, and partners who support us throughout the year, we’re creating brighter futures together.”
The following organizations, whose missions align with the foundation’s purpose, received funds for their 2025 programming:
- Achilles International – TX
- Make-A-Wish® Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana – TX
- Ability Found – UT
- Best Seat in the House – UT
- Eye Care 4 Kids – UT
- Intermountain Healthcare Foundation, Inc. – UT
- Make-A-Wish® Utah – UT
- Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Intermountain Area, Inc. – UT
- Walk with Autism, Ltd. – UT
- Children’s Assistive Technology Service – VA
- Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) – VA
- Complete the Puzzle – VA
- Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia, Inc. – VA
- Families of Autism Coming Together (FACT) – VA
- Hampton University Proton Cancer Institute – VA
- Hooked On Hope VB – VA
- Make-A-Wish® Greater Virginia – VA
- MomAdvocate Foundation – VA
- Roc Solid Foundation – VA
- Mary’s Home for Disabled Children – VA
- Team Hoyt VB – VA
- The Eliza Hope Foundation – VA
- Toby’s Dream Foundation – VA
- Virginia Stage Company – VA
- With INtentional Kindness and Support (WINKS) – VA
What started as a golf tournament to grant one young girl’s wish in 1999, led to the formation of the Foundation in 2005 which grew into the Chartway Promise Foundation, a vital community partner for local nonprofits across Chartway Credit Union’s markets. Over the last two decades, the foundation has granted $16 million to charity partners. In 2024 alone, more than 10,000 children and families were impacted by our grants. In total, the foundation has supported thousands of children and 48 partner charities over the years, deepening its impact in the community.
Throughout 2025, the foundation plans to celebrate the milestone anniversary at its annual fundraising events including Putting for Promises and Swings Fore Smiles golf outings in Utah and Virginia and at the signature “A Night for Hope” where Promise Heroes will experience surprise wish and dream reveals. Chartway will also host community events in Texas, Utah and Virginia featuring special appearances by current and former Promise Heroes who will share inspiring stories about how the foundation impacted their lives and what it means to them and their families.
In 2024, the foundation was central to the naming of Chartway Credit Union by VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads to the CIVIC 50 Hampton Roads business recognition program, a national initiative established by Points of Light that honors community-minded companies. In addition, the foundation received the Philanthropist of the Year Award from Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia.
Learn more about Chartway Promise Foundation and how you can get involved at www.chartwaypromisefoundation.org.
