The MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation, the philanthropic arm of MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU), recently announced it awarded $670,000 in grants to three community organizations ― Big Brothers Big Sisters Michigan Capital Region, Home Repair Services of Kent County, and Lighthouse MI.
“The MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation’s vision is of vibrant communities where every act of giving creates a profound impact, fostering a culture of generosity and empowerment,” said Foundation Executive Director Rebecca Surian. “These grants are intended to support these organizations as they work to improve the quality of life in their communities through youth empowerment, stable housing, and financial education.”
Founded in 2019, the 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 entrepreneurship, financial education, stable housing, the arts, and youth empowerment. The following organizations received grants during the third quarter of 2024:
Youth Empowerment
Big Brothers Big Sisters Michigan Capital Region ($150,000 allocated over three years) — The $150,000 grant from the Foundation will significantly impact the lives of youth in Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Ionia, and Shiawassee counties, particularly those in poverty. BBBSMCR’s goal is to empower vulnerable local youth, helping them make good decisions, avoid risky behaviors, graduate from high school, and build a foundation for future success. The funding will enhance the mentor program, support current matches, and strengthen volunteer mentor recruitment efforts. Additionally, the funds will support more than 65 youth in the capital area, representing an 85% increase since 2020. Lastly, the grant will enable Big Brothers Big Sisters to engage its Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee representatives to guide the recruitment of male mentors and mentors of color. This will have a lasting impact on the lives of youth in the region.
“On behalf of our agency, we are grateful and honored to accept this monumental grant from the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation,” said Executive Director Megyn Forest. “This generous contribution will assist in our mission, making a profound and lifelong impact on our community through mentorship. We sincerely appreciate the trust in our vision and the initiatives we undertake to help create a foundation of future success for our capital-area youth.”
Financial Education and Stable Housing
Home Repair Services of Kent County ($20,000) — The one-time grant to Home Repair Services of Kent County significantly impacts the Grand Rapids community, especially for low-income and minority homeowners. The grant will specifically support HRS’s Financial Education and Foreclosure Counseling Program, empowering homeowners with the knowledge and skills to achieve financial stability and prevent foreclosure. Ultimately, the grant will greatly enhance HRS’s ability to serve the community by expanding its financial education workshops and counseling sessions, contributing to the overall well-being of the Grand Rapids community.
“We are profoundly grateful to receive this generous support from the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation,” said Executive Director Joel Ruiter. “This grant provides meaningful resources for our team to empower homeowners through financial and homeownership education. We are honored to partner in such a significant way!”
Stable Housing
Lighthouse MI ($500,000 allocated over four years) — Lighthouse MI, founded in 2019 from the merger of Lighthouse of Oakland County and South Oakland Shelter, has a mission to alleviate poverty. The “Lighting the Way” Campaign is a project that aims to redevelop its Pontiac campus to include emergency housing, a social supermarket, and an economic opportunity center. It will significantly impact the community by increasing shelter capacity for families, providing supportive case management, and improving access to essential services for thousands of individuals annually.
“With this transformational grant, the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation has stood strongly behind the Lighthouse mission to build equitable communities that alleviate poverty and has moved us a big step closer toward realizing our vision of a redeveloped main campus to better serve the evolving needs of our constituents,” said President and CEO Ryan Hertz. “Thank you for believing in our work and for your wonderful partnership.”
One way that MSUFCU and Oakland University Credit Union members can support the Foundation and these organizations is through the quarterly Desk Drawer Foundation Raffles. The $20 raffle tickets are available at any of the Credit Union’s branches. With a portion of the funds going to one lucky winner each quarter (up to $20,000), the other half of the ticket sales support the Foundation, providing increased dollars to grant to nonprofit organizations in our communities. Members can purchase tickets for the third-quarter raffle through Tuesday, Sept. 24. The fourth-quarter raffle runs Oct. 7 through Dec. 3, 2024.
For more information on the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation and to donate, visit deskdrawerfund.org, call 517-333-2299, or email deskdrawerfund@msufcu.org.