EAST LANSING, Mich. — To help drive change and build brighter, better communities for all, the Desk Drawer Foundation, the philanthropic arm of MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) and Oakland University Credit Union, recently announced the 2025 charity partners chosen by employees through the Credit Union’s CU Involved program.
Each year, MSUFCU employees vote on and select organizations with causes that align with the Desk Drawer Foundation pillars within the regions where Credit Union members live and work. With MSUFCU’s expansion into Illinois, two new regions will benefit from employee support. For 2025, employees will support Affirmations in southeast Michigan; Family Promise of West Michigan; Michael’s Place in northern Michigan; New Moms in the Chicagoland area; Salute, Inc., in northern Illinois; Women’s Center of Greater Lansing; and the Credit Union’s ongoing charity partner, the United Way of South Central Michigan. Support will include volunteer and fundraising efforts organized by the CU Involved Committee.
“MSUFCU employees truly live out one of the Credit Union’s core values, Give Back to the Community,” said Rebecca Surian, Executive Director of the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation. “Nearly 75% of employees contribute to the Foundation’s Charity Partner Fund. In addition to their personal contributions, employees organize in-house fundraising efforts to raise additional dollars to support these organizations. The assistance does not stop there — Credit Union employees will also volunteer their time and talent to support these organizations throughout the calendar year.”
Affirmations
Region: Southeast Michigan
Pillar: Youth Empowerment
Affirmations provides a range of youth empowerment programs free of charge, including a drop-in center, leadership and development program, internships, and discussion groups. These services are inclusive of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and cultures.
“Funding received will go directly to supporting LGBTQ+ youth,” said Cheryl Czach, Executive Director. “Youth programming is the flagship programming for the center, and these funds will support our Lavender Leadership Academy, a youth leadership and job readiness program that empowers youth ages 14-22 with the skills to advance their leadership involvement, enter the workforce, and transition into adulthood. We are looking forward to a collaborative 2025 partnership.”
Family Promise of West Michigan
Region: West Michigan
Pillar: Stable Housing
Family Promise of West Michigan supports stable housing to end homelessness, one family at a time, by providing emergency shelter, basic needs assistance, finding future housing, and helping families sustain independence.
“Family Promise of West Michigan is on a mission to end homelessness, one family at a time,” said Hanna Visser, Grants and Compliance Coordinator. “One of our core programs focuses on keeping families stably housed after a housing crisis. This partnership with the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation will directly impact this program, allowing us to provide personalized case management and financial assistance to help with unexpected expenses. Together, we are providing pathways out of poverty and building families’ stability — ensuring they never experience homelessness again.”
Michael’s Place
Region: Northern Michigan
Pillar: Youth Empowerment
Michael’s Place empowers grieving children, teens, adults, and families throughout northern Michigan. The organization offers innovative and compassionate support programs designed to ease the impact of loss and foster resilience.
“In Michigan, one in 11 children will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18,” said Connie Wintzinger, Development Director. “Valuable partnerships like this strengthen Michael’s Place as we serve bereaved children, teens, and adults with comprehensive support, advocacy, and education across northwest Michigan. These opportunities ensure that every young person has access to the care and community they need to heal. Together, we are building a future where no child journeys through grief alone.”
New Moms
Region: Chicagoland
Pillar: Stable Housing
New Moms partners with young mothers to address systemic obstacles to stable housing. Its programs include family support, academic coaching, employment pathways, and housing assistance.
“This partnership is built on the shared belief that stable housing is the foundation for a stronger, more resilient community,” said Jenna Hammond, Chief Development Officer. “Through the Stable Housing pillar, we are not only providing a place to live, but also fostering security, opportunity, and hope. By offering holistic services tailored to the unique needs of young moms — including housing, job training, family support, and mental health services — we are empowering them to build a bright future. Together, we are ensuring that every young family has the opportunity to thrive.”
Salute, Inc.
Region: Northern Illinois
Pillar: Stable Housing
Salute, Inc. supports the financial, physical, and emotional needs of injured military service members, veterans, and their families. Funds will specifically support stable housing initiatives.
“Salute was founded and has continued to grow over the past 22 years because of community leadership,” said Mary Beth Beiersdorf, Co-Founder and Executive Director. “During the past year, we have ‘kept the lights’ on and a roof over the heads of 375 active-duty members, veterans, and their families, investing over $750,000 in rent and mortgage. With the help of our new friends and partners at MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation, we will be able to continue to keep the homefront stable, strong, and secure.”
Women’s Center of Greater Lansing
Region: Mid-Michigan
Pillar: Entrepreneurship
The Women’s Center of Greater Lansing advances entrepreneurship by offering comprehensive career support services. These include a job seeker support group, one-on-one career coaching, interview preparation, budgeting classes, application assistance, and counseling.
“We are thrilled to receive this support, which plays a critical role in empowering women entrepreneurs in our community,” said Rebecca Kasen, Executive Director. “This funding allows us to provide tailored resources, mentorship, and training through the Bold Steps Business Lab, ensuring that women have the tools and support they need to turn their ideas into sustainable and impactful ventures. Together, we are fostering innovation, financial independence, and community growth in the Lansing area.”
United Way of South Central Michigan, Legacy Partner
Region: Mid-Michigan
Pillar: Empowering Youth and Financial Education
Funds will be allocated equally between CapCAN and JobSTAR.
“UWSCM is grateful for the long-standing support and partnership of MSUFCU employees,” said Chris Sargent, President and Executive Officer. “United through our partnership, MSUFCU and UWSCMI support CapCAN and the JobSTAR program in Jackson County. CapCAN ensures Capital Area high school students have supports and tools to successfully launch into their post-secondary education. The JobSTAR program helps employers and employees by connecting employees with resources to help overcome obstacles that may impede their ability to work, such as housing, transportation, and health care.”
Credit Union members can join MSUFCU in supporting nonprofits that align with the Foundation’s mission, vision, core values, and philanthropic pillars.
“It is easier than ever — simply visit the Foundation’s Donate page and make a credit card or ACH gift and join us in lifting up our communities today,” Surian said.
For more information on the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation and to donate, visit deskdrawerfoundation.org, call 517-333-2299, or email
[email protected].
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ABOUT THE MSUFCU DESK DRAWER FOUNDATIONThe 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, new/existing credit union members, and quarterly member raffles. For more information, visit deskdrawerfoundation.org.
ABOUT MSUFCUFounded 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 14 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 MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation. MSUFCU is headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan; and has 35 branches; over 367,000 members; $8.26 billion in assets; and 1,200-plus employees. For more information, visit msufcu.org.
Equal Housing Opportunity
