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Eglin Federal Credit Union donates $1.9 million to local nonprofits

The credit union's Charitable Donation Account performance enabled substantial giving to ten area organizations, supporting projects from veteran housing to youth education.
Eglin Federal Credit Union infuses $1.9 million into the community through local nonprofits. (EFCU)

Eglin Federal Credit Union announced today a $1.9 million donation to be distributed among ten local nonprofit organizations, targeting initiatives ranging from military family support to affordable housing projects.

  • Monetary donations were made to the Air Force Enlisted Village, Children in Crisis, Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, Fresh Start for Children and Families, Habitat for Humanity of Okaloosa County, Habitat for Humanity of Walton County, Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation and the United Way Emerald Coast.

“Eglin Federal Credit Union is very excited to be able to make this investment in our community,” said Cathie Staton, President and CEO of Eglin Federal Credit Union. “Our Charitable Donation Account performed well, allowing us to make such a significant contribution.”

The donations will support several major projects, including the development of Victory Village, a military senior living community in Shalimar near Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field. This facility will serve wounded warriors and their caregivers, as well as surviving spouses of retired enlisted service members from all military branches.

  • Other significant initiatives receiving funding include Children in Crisis‘s new thrift store project, capital improvements for the Emerald Coast Fitness Foundation‘s water safety programs, and support for two Habitat for Humanity chapters in Okaloosa and Walton counties.

The Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, which provides accommodation for military families during medical treatment at Eglin AFB, will use its portion for capital improvements. Fresh Start for Children and Families will construct a new storage facility to support their mission of helping homeless families achieve self-sufficiency.

Educational support features prominently in the donation distribution, with the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation receiving funds for their Take Stock in Children scholarship and mentoring program.

The United Way Emerald Coast will direct its portion to the new United for ALICE® Fund, supporting Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed individuals. Additionally, the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation will use its share for disaster relief efforts, particularly in response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

“The intention of the distribution is to satisfy needs within our community that align with Eglin FCU’s Mission, Vision and Values, while making a positive impact to the communities where our members live, work, worship or attend school,” Staton added.

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“Use part of the $5million to remove the docks that are in an already overcrowded harbor.”
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“Fire hydrants are color coded for the rate of water flow measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Seems like painting the hydrants in artistic color designs would mess up this...”
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“Isn't that going to make that area of waterway too crowded during tourist season ? As is already is!”
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Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: April 1, 2026
“1 min 36 sec”
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“Who authorized the building of the docks?”
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“Hopefully they didn't get their child back. They're lucky the Kiddo survived.”
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“The county needs to walk away gracefully and let Destin handle it.”
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“Jim Bagby, take the pledge to always support & fight for the citizens & tourists proven historic right to free and unobstructed access to and use of the beaches in...”
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Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: March 30, 2026
“1 min 23 sec”
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