Desk Drawer Fund announces 2024 Charity Partners
EAST LANSING, MI (February 14, 2024) — To help drive change and build brighter, better communities for all, the Desk Drawer Fund, the philanthropic foundation of MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) and Oakland University Credit Union, recently announced the 2024 charity partners chosen by employees through the Credit Union’s CU Involved program.
Each year, MSUFCU employees vote on and select local organizations with causes that align with the Desk Drawer Fund pillars. For 2024, employees will support the Lansing Promise; Tri-County Office on Aging; Children’s Healing Center; Michigan Women Forward; and the Credit Union’s ongoing charity partner, the United Way of South Central Michigan. Support will include quarterly volunteer and fundraising efforts organized by the CU Involved Committee.
“Giving back to the community is one of MSUFCU’s core values. Credit Union employees embrace this by giving generously through their time and treasure,” said Rebecca Surian, Executive Director of the Desk Drawer Fund and MSUFCU Vice President of University Relations. “Nearly 75% of all Credit Union employees have pledged more than $200,000 to our 2024 charity partners and will volunteer hundreds of hours at nonprofits in the communities we serve.”
Funds raised by employees in the first quarter will benefit the Lansing Promise, which falls under the financial education pillar. The organization ensures that every eligible young person living and going to school within the Lansing School District has access to education and career training beyond high school. Funds help Lansing-area high school graduates achieve their potential by providing scholarships and support leading to post-secondary education.
Second-quarter fundraising efforts will be granted to the Tri-County Office on Aging, representing the stable housing pillar. The organization promotes and preserves the independence and dignity of the aging population. It helps older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers access programs and benefits, improve their health, and remain active in their communities. While Meals on Wheels is its most recognized program, it also offers the Caregiver Support and Nursing Facility Transition programs.
The Children’s Healing Center will be given funds raised in the third quarter in support of the empowering youth pillar. It is the first year-round recreation facility to provide social and emotional healing for kids with weakened immune systems and their families in a safe, clean environment. Its programs are offered at no cost to families.
Michigan Women Forward will receive funds in the fourth quarter as part of the fostering entrepreneurialism pillar. It is a community development organization with a mission to expand economic opportunity, empower the next generation, and celebrate and honor the accomplishments of Michigan women. It has invested $4.9 million to help more than 200 women start and grow businesses, creating 566 jobs through Michigan Women Forward client companies.
The United Way of South Central Michigan will benefit from MSUFCU’s employee payroll deduction contributions to the Dress Down Days Fund with 10% of dollars raised to be directed to this organization. In 2023, more than $50,000 from Credit Union employees was sent to the United Way of South Central Michigan.
About The Desk Drawer Fund
The Desk Drawer Fund was established in 2019 to empower MSU Federal Credit Union and Oakland University Credit Union members, employees, and other businesses to invest in our local communities and help them flourish. The Fund focuses on supporting organizations within its five philanthropic pillars — Arts and Culture, Empowering Youth, Financial Education, Fostering Entrepreneurialism, and Stable Housing — with charitable grants, volunteering, and other resources. To date, more than $2.1 million has been distributed. Among other sources, income is generated through employee contributions; new/existing credit union members; and a quarterly raffle. For more information, visit deskdrawerfund.org.
ABOUT MSUFCU
Founded in 1937, MSUFCU has a national reputation for excellence and has received several top industry and workplace awards, including being named a Best Credit Union to Work For® by American Banker for the sixth year, a Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press for 13 consecutive years, and a National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® winner for seven consecutive years. MSUFCU has also been certified as a Great Place to Work® for 10 consecutive years and has been recognized by the Credit Union National Association, earning first place for the people-helping-people philosophy Louise Herring Award. The Credit Union operates an award-winning, wholly owned credit union service organization, Reseda Group, along with digital financial platforms AlumniFi and Collegiate, trade name Oakland University Credit Union, and its foundation, the Desk Drawer Fund. MSUFCU is headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan; and has 24 branches; over 350,000 members; $7.61 billion in assets; and more than 1,100 employees. For more information, visit msufcu.org.
