VyStar Credit Union has launched a foundation that will serve as its philanthropic arm and collaborate in partnerships that support youth, military members and veterans.

VyStar Foundation grants will be available to nonprofit organizations whose purpose and mission align with its own, credit union officials said. That includes grants that ensure that military members, veterans and their families receive the social services they need.

Grants also will help youth by providing equitable access to creative learning environments and to keep communities financially strong and culturally vibrant, officials said.

“We have seen the incredible power of what we can accomplish when we work together for a common good,” VyStar Foundation President Patricia McElroy said in a news release. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead VyStar Foundation to further expand VyStar’s dedication to the community.”

Each grant cycle will have a specific funding priority drawn from one of the strategic giving pillars. The first grant cycle opened Wednesday with a focus on supporting active military, veterans and their families, and honoring the credit union’s roots at Naval Air Station Jacksonville.

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McElroy, VyStar senior vice president, will join a volunteer foundation board of directors that includes credit union President/CEO Brian Wolfburg as chairman and other executives as treasurer and secretary. The foundation board ultimately will include community members from areas served by VyStar, officials said.

To learn more about VyStar Foundation, go to vystarfoundation.org.