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The Desk Drawer Foundation (DDF) was established in 2019 to further MSU Federal Credit Union's commitment to serving the Credit Union's core value of Giving Back to the Community. Since its inception, the Foundation has granted nearly $3.5 million to nonprofit organizations in the regions where our members live and work. As MSUFCU's expansion continues, the Foundation's support will follow!

Foundation Grants

The MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits that create positive impacts in communities where our members live and work. The Foundation’s regional focus includes mid-Michigan, southeast Michigan, northern Michigan, west Michigan, Chicago, and northern Illinois near MSUFCU branches. Funding requests should align with at least one of the Foundation’s five philanthropic pillars. 

 

Nonprofits interested in grant opportunities are encouraged to submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI). LOIs are reviewed by Foundation Management within four weeks of submission. Selected nonprofits will be invited to submit a full grant application for consideration. Final grant decisions are made by the Desk Drawer Foundation Board of Directors on a quarterly basis.

Starting in 2026, the Foundation’s grant cycle has been updated. The Foundation accepts applications for both Programmatic and Transformational grants. Please see the 2026 schedule below.

Grant Types and Timeline

Programmatic Grants

  • Purpose: Supports programming or operating needs that drive meaningful community impact

  • Funding Range: $5,000 to $25,000 per year with multi-year funding available

  • Review Cycle: Three times per year

  • Eligibility: Open to 501(c)(3) nonprofits that align with the Foundation’s pillar(s) and geographic regions

Transformational Grants

  • Purpose: Provides significant multi-year funding to trusted partners driving long-term, systemic change

  • Funding Range: $25,000 to $500,000 total with multi-year funding available

  • Review Cycle: Once per year

  • Eligibility: Open to 501(c)(3) nonprofits that align with the Foundation’s pillar(s) and geographic regions

2026 Programmatic Grants Deadlines

LOI Submitted for Consideration

Full Grant Application Submitted

Communication of Grant Award Decisions

Cycle 1

March 1, 2026

April 1, 2026

May 2026

Cycle 2

June 1, 2026

July 1, 2026

August 2026

Cycle 3

September 1, 2026

October 1, 2026

November 2026

2026 Transformational Grants Deadlines

LOI Submitted for Consideration

Full Grant Application Submitted

Communication of Grant Award Decisions

Cycle 4

December 1, 2026

January 2, 2027

February 2027

MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation does not support the following:

  • Special event sponsorships (for MSUFCU Corporate sponsorships, please visit here)

  • Universities and Colleges - funding is provided through other programs

  • Public or private K-12 schools or school foundations

  • Government Agencies

  • Political campaigns

  • Research projects

  • Individuals or individual projects (including salaries and benefits)

  • Sectarian, denominational, or religious organizations (except for programs that are broadly promoted, available to anyone, and free from religious orientation)

  • Reduction or liquidation of debt, outside of costs for naming facilities opportunities

Letter of Inquiry

501(c)3 Organization?
Yes
No
Philanthropic Pillar Alignment
The Arts
Entrepreneurship
Financial Education
Stable Housing
Youth Empowerment
Regional Alignment
Mid-Michigan
Southeast Michigan
Northern Michigan
West Michigan
Chicago
Northern Illinois
Grant Type
First-time grant request to MSUFCU DDF?
Yes
No

Focus specifically on what the grant dollars will be used for, how these dollars align with the philanthropic pillar(s) identified, what will be the greater good for the community served, and how this grant will uplift the larger community where our credit union members live and work.

List all expenses included in this grant; total should equal the amount requested.

What impact will this grant have on the greater community/region served and specifically those served (provide quantities whenever possible)?

- Upload nonprofit’s logo (EPS or PNG preferred)

- Upload Financial Documents:

o   W9

o   Form 990

o   Most recent year-end Financial Statement (Sample)

o   Most recent annual operating budget

Accepted file types include: png, jpg, eps, doc, docx, pdf, csv, mp4

Maximum File Upload Size 1GB

Please ensure that all requested materials outlined in the LOI form are included. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.

The Arts Pillar.jpg

The Arts

Foster access and creativity in the arts to enrich communities.
Entrepreneurship Pillar.jpg

Entrepreneurship

Empowers and educates

to encourage entrepreneurs to develop core skills.

Financial Education Pillar.jpg

Financial Education

Support educational programs that facilitate financial wellness and empower financial freedom.
Stable Housing Pillar.jpg

Stable Housing

Strengthen lives through support of organizations that provide access to safe and reliable housing for individuals and families.
Youth Empowerment Pillar.jpg

Youth Empowerment

Empower youth to learn, grow, create, and lead.
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