MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation Celebrates Donors and Accomplishments

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation hosted its annual donor celebration Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Credit Union’s headquarters in East Lansing. 

More than 120 people attended the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation Third Annual Donor Event, which featured food; live music; Zeke the Wonderdog; and remarks from DDF officials, MSUFCU leadership, and representatives from Grit Glam Guts, an empowerment program for teen girls in the Greater Lansing area. This year’s event was generously sponsored by TruStage.

Founded in 2019, the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation focuses on five philanthropic pillars as it fulfills its mission to partner with donors to empower transformational change to make a sustainable difference in our communities. These pillars are The Arts, Entrepreneurship, Financial Education, Stable Housing, and Youth Empowerment.

“We want to thank our donors for their support, advocacy, and belief in the Foundation’s mission,” said Executive Director Rebecca Surian. “Through their gifts, we’re able to create enduring change and offer hope where it’s needed most.”

Since its inception, the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation has given more than $3 million in meaningful grants to 60-plus nonprofit organizations throughout Michigan and Illinois. It is on track to exceed $7 million in grants in its first decade.

Grants announced to date in 2025, funded by the Foundation’s Community Impact Fund, were awarded to the following organizations:

• Chicago Voyagers

• Concordia Place

• Grit Glam Guts

• Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse Region

• Mosaic Film Experience

• Racquet Up Detroit

• Zekelman Holocaust Center 

The impact of the $10,000 grant to Grit Glam Guts was shared by Founder Cameo King and two teens participating in the program.

“The dollars have gone a long way in a deep way,” King said. “[The grant] has allowed us to expand the number of chapters and do more to help teens in the area showcase their leadership skills.”

Additionally, MSUFCU employees vote on nonprofits they wish to support through their personal charitable contributions, employee fundraisers, and volunteer opportunities. For 2025, they are:

• Affirmations

• Family Promise of West Michigan

• Michael’s Place

• New Moms

• Salute Inc.

• Women’s Center of Greater Lansing

• United Way of South Central Michigan, Legacy Partner

“We are proud of the meaningful work the Foundation has accomplished this year,” said April Clobes, MSUFCU President and CEO. “Through these efforts, we have been able to support causes that matter deeply to our members and the broader community. Giving back is a core value of the Credit Union; and when our members join us in these efforts, we can amplify our impact, make an even greater difference, and help uplift the communities we serve.”

For more information on the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation and to donate, visit deskdrawerfoundation.org, call 517-333-2299, or email deskdrawerfoundation@msufcu.org. 

ABOUT THE MSUFCU DESK DRAWER FOUNDATION

The MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation was established in 2019 to partner with donors to empower transformational change to make a sustainable difference in our communities. The Foundation provides meaningful grants to nonprofits whose work impacts their clients and patrons within five philanthropic pillars ― The Arts, Entrepreneurship, Financial Education, Stable Housing, and Youth Empowerment. To date, more than $3 million has been granted. Among other sources, income is generated through employee contributions, organized fundraisers, new/existing credit union members, and the quarterly DDF Raffle. For more information, visit deskdrawerfoundation.org.

ABOUT MSUFCUMSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU)

MSUFCU was established in 1937 to provide a secure place for members to save and borrow. Guided by its mission to help members achieve financial security, reach their goals, and realize their dreams, MSUFCU supports members through key milestones in life while helping them plan for the future. Recognized as a leader in innovation and as a great place to work, MSUFCU continually seeks new ways to enhance the member experience and strengthen the communities it serves. Today, the Credit Union proudly serves nearly 400,000 members through 35 branches, with over $8.2 billion in assets and more than 1,200 employees. MSUFCU is headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan. For additional information, please visit msufcu.org.